Gender Identity and Societal Norms Analysis

Global Issue: Societal Norms and Gender Identity

• Societal norms significantly shape gender identity, often restricting freedom and authenticity.
• "Shaping" refers to the creation or alteration of identity in response to societal expectations.
• This influence affects both personal and collective identities.

Key Concept: Identity and Societal Influence

• Societal norms restrict and shape gender identity.
• Individuals struggle to resist, reclaim, and redefine their identities within societal pressures.

Texts for Analysis

• Literary Text: The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy
  • "Thetis" (Zoom-In)
  • "Little Red Cap," "Anne Hathaway," "From Mrs. Tiresias" (Zoom-Out)
• Non-Literary Text: Women Holding the Globe by Lisa Donnelly
  • "I am supposed to be here" (Zoom-In)
  • "Trucks Liking Thing," "I can’t decide what I want to be when I grow up," "Caveman" (Zoom-Out)

Structure of the IO (Individual Oral Presentation)

• Introduction (1 minute):
  • State the global issue and its significance.
  • Introduce both texts and establish their connection to the issue.
  • Thesis: Both texts critique societal norms shaping gender identity, with Duffy using mythological allegory and Donnelly employing visual satire.
• Body (8-9 minutes):
  • Literary Text Analysis (4 minutes):
    • The World's Wife as a feminist reimagining of myths.
    • "Thetis": Imagery of shrinking symbolizes suppression, consistent tone mirrors pressure, symbolism of transformations critiquing societal commodification of identity.
    • Other Poems: "Little Red Cap" reclaims agency, "Anne Hathaway" portrays love as respite, and "From Mrs. Tiresias" challenges rigid gender roles.
    • Connection to the global issue: Duffy's critique highlights resistance/reclaiming agency against societal imposition.
  • Non-Literary Text Analysis (4 minutes):
    • Donnelly's critique of gender inequality in professional spaces.
    • "I am supposed to be here": Visual symbolism (round table, postures) and text (caption) emphasizing defiance and belonging.
    • Other Works: "Trucks Liking Thing" (gendered interests), "I can't decide..." (binary choices), "Caveman" (marriage norms).
    • Connection to the global issue: Donnelly critiques societal exclusion and emphasizes resistance/self-determination.
• Conclusion (1 minute):
  • Summarize both texts' critiques of societal norms.
  • Emphasize the importance of resistance in redefining societal expectations.
  • Final statement of inclusivity as a result of resistance and individual agency.

Key Analysis: The World's Wife

• Themes:
  • Women's forced adaptation and identity suppression under patriarchy.
  • Mythology used as a framework to critique societal norms.
• "Thetis" Key Quotes/Imagery/Structure:
  • "I shrank myself / to the size of a bird in the hand of a man." (suppression)
  • "So I shopped for a suitable shape." (commodification)
  • Abrupt shifts reflecting the exhausting pressures.

Key Analysis: Women Holding the Globe

• Themes:
  • Women asserting presence in male-dominated spaces.
  • Visual satire critiquing exclusionary norms.
• "I am supposed to be here" Key Elements:
  • Round table highlighting disparity.
  • Confident/defiant posture versus relaxed positioning.
  • Assertive caption challenging norms.

Explore the impact of societal norms on gender identity through texts like The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy and Women Holding the Globe by Lisa Donnelly. This quiz analyzes how these norms shape personal and collective identities, emphasizing resistance and redefinition. Dive into the complexities of identity influenced by societal expectations.