Gender System, Theories, and Rights - PDF

GENDER: SYSTEM, THEORIES, AND RIGHTS Reporter : Lovely Cabuzga Gweneth Macalipay  GENDER SYSTEM The gender system refers to the societal structures and norms that define and regulate gender roles, identities, and expectations. This system impacts individual lives,...

GENDER: SYSTEM, THEORIES, AND RIGHTS Reporter : Lovely Cabuzga Gweneth Macalipay  GENDER SYSTEM The gender system refers to the societal structures and norms that define and regulate gender roles, identities, and expectations. This system impacts individual lives, shaping everything from personal relationships to political and economic opportunities.  COMPONENTS OF GENDER SYSTEM Gender Roles – Societal expectations about how individuals should behave based on their gender. Gender Norms – Socially accepted ideas about masculinity and femininity. Gender Identity – A person’s internal sense of their gender (e.g., male, female, non-binary). Gender Expression – How an individual presents their gender through behavior, clothing, and speech. Gender Stratification – The unequal distribution of resources, power, and privilege between genders. Examples: Economic Disparities - Gender pay gaps and unequal job opportunities. Political Representation – Underrepresentation of women and non-binary individuals in leadership. Glass Ceiling – Women and marginalized genders face barriers to career advancement.  GENDER BINARY VS. NON-BINARY Gender Binary: Traditional systems recognize only two genders (male and female), often linking them to biological sex. Non-Binary: A broader perspective acknowledges gender as a spectrum, including identities beyond just male and female, such as genderqueer, agender, and genderfluid.  PATRIARCHY ✔ The word patriarchy is used to describe the power of the father as head of household or the systematic organization of male supremacy and female subordination. ✔ It is a system of male authority that oppresses women through its social, political, and economic institutions.  SEXISM ✔ Sexism is discrimination or prejudice based on a person's gender, often resulting in unequal treatment and opportunities. It reinforces stereotypes and maintains gender inequality. ✔ It is the belief that women are inferior to men; therefore, men's behavior towards women is justified. ✔ The word "sexism" became widely known during the women's liberation movement the 1960's and was most likely modeled on the term "racism" coined by the Civil Rights Movement (CRM) (Masequesmay, 2019). ✔ Sexism functions to maintain the power status of men over women and girls through beliefs and practices. When society provides different opportunities and benefits for one sex over the other, this system is called Institutional sexism. At Work, At Home, In Politics, In the Military  GENDER THEORIES Gender Schema Theory (Sandra Bem in 1981) – Suggests that individuals learn gender roles through societal reinforcement. Social Role Theory (Alice Eagly in 1980s) – this theory suggests that gender differences arise from societal expectations and the traditional division of labor, leading individuals to internalize and perform roles deemed appropriate for their gender. For example, women are more likely to be homemakers and caretakers, while men are more likely to be providers and hold leadership roles. Queer Theory – Challenges fixed gender identities and supports fluid expressions of gender and sexuality.  Feminist Theory ✔ Focus on gender inequality and power structures that oppress women and marginalized genders. ✔ Challenge patriarchy and advocate for gender equity Types of Feminist Theory : Liberal Feminism: Seeks gender equality through legal reforms and policies. Radical Feminism: Views patriarchy as deeply embedded in society and calls for structural change. Marxist Feminism: Links gender oppression to capitalism and economic exploitation  Major waves of Feminism Feminism has evolved over time through different "waves," each focusing on distinct issues: First Wave (19th – early 20th century) - Focused on legal rights, especially women's suffrage (right to vote), education, and property rights. Second Wave (1960s – 1980s) - Addressed workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, domestic violence, and gender roles. Third Wave (1990s – early 2000s) - Challenged traditional gender norms and embraced diversity, emphasizing race, sexuality, and class issues. Fourth Wave (2010s – present) - Focuses on digital activism, #MeToo movement, body positivity, and LGBTQ+ rights. - Advocates for inclusivity and dismantling systemic oppression.  GENDER RIGHTS Gender rights encompass legal protections and policies that ensure equality among all genders. These rights aim to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusivity. International Gender Rights Frameworks: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) – Ensures equal rights regardless of gender. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) – Focuses on eliminating gender discrimination. Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) – Advocates for gender equality and empowerment. Yogyakarta Principles - Outline human rights standards for sexual orientation and gender identity.  GENDER LAWS IN THE PHILIPPINES The Philippines has several laws promoting gender equality and protecting individuals from discrimination and violence. These laws aim to ensure equal opportunities, protect human rights, and address gender-based violence and discrimination. Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710, 2009) - A comprehensive law ensuring women’s rights and gender equality. Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262, 2004) - Protects women and children from domestic violence, abuse, and exploitation. Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313, 2019) "Bawal Bastos Law" - Expands protection against sexual harassment in public and online spaces. Anti-Discrimination Bills (SOGIE Equality Bill) for LGBTQ+ Rights (Pending) - Aims to protect individuals from discrimination based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE).  Quiz Session? THANK YOU!