Gender and Society PDF

Gender and Society PD Untalasco Chapter 1: Introduction to Gender and Society Gender: Refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender-diverse people. Society: A community of people living together in a more or less orde...

Gender and Society PD Untalasco Chapter 1: Introduction to Gender and Society Gender: Refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender-diverse people. Society: A community of people living together in a more or less ordered community sharing customs, laws, and organizations. Importance of Studying Gender and Society Promotes Equality Addresses Social Issues Inclusive Perspective Prepares Educators Article 2, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution: The State recognizes the role of women in nation-building and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men. Mandates the government to create policies and enact laws that promote gender equality Serves as a foundation for various gender-related laws and initiatives in the Philippines Education Global Context: 129 million girls worldwide are out of school, 32 million of primary school age The Philippines has relatively high female literacy rates, with 97.1% literacy among females compared to 96.1% among males (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022). Despite high literacy rates, disparities exist in terms of quality of education and access in rural and impoverished areas. Socio-cultural factors and economic constraints can hinder continuous education for girls. Employment The global labor force participation rate for women is around 47%, compared to 74% for men (International Labour Organization, 2023). Women's labor force participation rate is approximately 46%, while men's is around 76% (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022). Women in the Philippines earn on average 10-20% less than their male counterparts Employment Glass Ceiling Effect Women are underrepresented in top management and leadership positions. Cultural stereotypes and traditional gender roles contribute to limited advancement opportunities. Political Participation Women hold approximately 25% of parliamentary seats worldwide (UN Women, 2023). Women occupy around 28% of seats in the House of Representatives and 25% in the Senate Persistent gender biases and stereotypes questioning women's leadership capabilities. Campaigns often marred by gender-based discrimination and harassment. Discrimination Against Women Today Forms Workplace Discrimination: ○ Limited opportunities for promotion. ○ Wage disparities. ○ Harassment and unequal treatment. Educational Discrimination: ○ Stereotyping in academic disciplines (e.g., STEM fields dominated by males). ○ Gender-biased curricula and teaching methods. Healthcare Discrimination: ○ Inadequate access to reproductive health services. ○ Gender biases in medical research and treatment. Political Discrimination: ○ Underrepresentation in decision-making positions. ○ Gender-based attacks during elections. Pay Gap and Glass Ceiling Pay Gap: Refers to the average difference in earnings between men and women. Glass Ceiling: Invisible barriers preventing women from advancing to top leadership positions Malala Yousafzai Relevance to the Philippines: ○ Inspires movements advocating for equal educational opportunities. ○ Highlights the importance of overcoming cultural and societal barriers to girls' education. ○ Encourages policy development to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments. Violence Against Women Approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime (WHO, 2023). The Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022 reports that around 24% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, and 6% have experienced sexual violence Violence Against Women Types of Violence: Domestic Violence: Physical, emotional, and economic abuse within households. Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances in public spaces, workplaces, and educational institutions. Human Trafficking: The Philippines is a source country for sex trafficking, particularly affecting women and girls. Violence Against Women, Legal Framework Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262): Provides protection and legal remedies for victims. Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877): Addresses harassment in workplaces and educational institutions. Safe Spaces Act of 2019 (RA 11313): Expands the definition of sexual harassment to include public spaces and online platforms. Violence Against Women Challenges in Implementation Underreporting due to stigma and fear. Limited access to support services, especially in rural areas. Need for more gender-sensitivity training among law enforcement and judiciary. Sexual Related Abuses Against Women NDHS 2022 indicates that 6% of women have experienced sexual violence, with many cases unreported. Factors Contributing to Abuse: ○ Cultural norms that perpetuate male dominance. ○ Lack of comprehensive sex education. ○ Insufficient legal enforcement and victim support systems. Support and Intervention: ○ Establishment of Women and Children Protection Units (WCPUs) in hospitals. ○ NGOs providing counseling and legal assistance. ○ Awareness campaigns to destigmatize reporting and promote prevention Cultural Expectations and Discrimination Traditional Gender Roles ○ Expectation for women to be primary caregivers and homemakers. ○ Limited acceptance of women in leadership and decision-making roles. Impact on Opportunities: ○ Restricts women's participation in certain professions and industries. ○ Influences educational and career choices from a young age. Role of Education: Critical in dismantling harmful stereotypes by promoting gender-sensitive curricula and inclusive policies. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Reproductive Health Reproductive Health Law (RA 10354): ○ Ensures universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care. ○ Faced opposition from religious groups but upheld by the Supreme Court. Abortion: ○ Illegal in the Philippines under all circumstances. ○ Consequences: Unsafe abortions leading to maternal deaths and health complications. Advocacy groups call for decriminalization to protect women's health. Maternal Health: ○ High rates of maternal mortality linked to inadequate access to healthcare services and information. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Harassment Workplace Harassment: Persistent problem despite existing laws. Need for stronger enforcement and workplace policies. Public Harassment: Addressed by the Safe Spaces Act, penalizing catcalling, wolf-whistling, and other forms of harassment in public and online spaces. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Divorce Current Status: ○ The Philippines remains one of the only countries without a divorce law, alongside the Vatican. ○ Legal Separation and Annulment: Available but costly and time-consuming. Does not afford the same legal freedoms as divorce. Advocacy for Divorce Law: ○ Proponents argue it is necessary to protect individuals from abusive and unhappy marriages. ○ Opponents cite religious and moral objections. Women's Health Choices and Legal Issues, Adultery vs. Concubinage ○ Legal Definitions: Adultery: Crime committed by a married woman engaging in sexual relations with a man not her husband. Punishable under the Revised Penal Code. Concubinage: Crime committed by a married man cohabiting with a woman not his wife under scandalous circumstances. Requires proof of cohabitation or maintaining a mistress in the conjugal dwelling. ○ Discrimination Issues: Evidentiary Burden: Easier to prosecute women for adultery than men for concubinage due to stringent proof requirements. Punishment Disparities: Penalties for adultery are often harsher compared to concubinage. Calls for Reform: Advocacy for decriminalization or equalization of laws to eliminate gender bias. Aligning legal definitions with principles of equality and human rights. Gender-Based Discrimination in Politics Gender is not something that one is, it is something one does, an act… a ‘doing’ rather than a ‘being. Judith Butler Chapter 2: Leveling Off: Gender and Sexuality Sex: ○ Refers to the biological differences between males and females, such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones. Gender: ○ A social construct that refers to roles, behaviors, and identities that society considers appropriate for men, women, and gender-diverse people. Gender Identity: ○ One's internal, deeply held sense of being male, female, or something else. Gender Expression: ○ The external display of one's gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut, or voice. The Intersection of Sex and Gender Biological Determinism: Gender as a Spectrum: Cultural Variability: ○ Different cultures have different ways of understanding and expressing gender. ○ Example: Hijra community in South Asia recognized as a third gender, with cultural and religious significance. Gender Role Socialization The process by which individuals learn and internalize the gender norms and roles expected by society. Begins early in childhood through family, education, media, and peer interactions Gender Role Socialization Agents of Socialization: ○ Family ○ Education ○ Media ○ Peers Internalized Self-Control External Regulations Internalized Self-Control Gender Stereotypes Oversimplified and widely held beliefs about the characteristics, abilities, and roles of men and women. Example: The belief that men are naturally assertive and women are naturally nurturing. Challenging Gender Stereotypes Education Media Representation Policy Interventions SOGIE Bill A legislative proposal in the Philippines aimed at prohibiting discrimination on the basis of SOGIE Senator Risa Hontiveros has been one of the most prominent advocates for the SOGIE Equality Bill Effect on Education: Schools would be required to adopt more inclusive policies and curricula. Teachers would need to undergo training to understand and respect diverse gender identities Republic vs. Cagandahan (GR No. 166676) The case involved Jennifer Cagandahan, who was born with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), leading to ambiguous genitalia. The Supreme Court of the Philippines allowed Cagandahan to change her gender marker to male, recognizing her right to self-identify. The decision was seen as a landmark case in recognizing gender identity beyond the binary framework. However, it also sparked discussions on the legal complexities of gender identity in the Philippines. Imane Khelif Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identities Heteronormativity: The belief that heterosexuality is the default or normal sexual orientation. Heterosexual: Attraction to the opposite sex. Homosexual: Attraction to the same sex. Cisgender: Gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth. Lesbian: A woman attracted to other women. Gay: A man attracted to other men (also used as an umbrella term). Bisexual: Attraction to both men and women. Transgender: Gender identity does not match the sex assigned at birth. Chapter 3: Cultures and Rationalities I. Understanding Culture A. Instinct and Culture Instinct: Culture: Interplay between Instinct and Culture: B. Systems of Meaning Definition: Cultural Relativity: Examples of Systems of Meaning: ○ Language: Different languages encode different systems of meaning, influencing how speakers perceive the world. ○ Religious Beliefs: Shape moral values and the understanding of right and wrong. ○ Symbols: Objects, gestures, or images that carry particular meanings within a culture (e.g., the cross in Christianity, the hijab in Islamic culture). Clifford Geertz and the Concept of Culture Geertz defined culture as “a system of inherited conceptions expressed in symbolic forms by means of which people communicate, perpetuate, and develop their knowledge about and attitudes toward life.” Geertz introduced the concept of “thick description,” which involves not just describing an action or behavior but understanding the context and meaning behind it. Culture as a Dynamic Entity Culture is Malleable: Culture is not static Adaptability of Culture: Cultures can adapt to new circumstances Cultural Change and Resistance: While culture is adaptable, change can also be met with resistance, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs or power structures. Critical Reflection on Culture The Role of Critical Reflection Critical Reflection: ○ Involves examining cultural practices, beliefs, and norms to understand their origins, implications, and potential for change. Challenging Cultural Norms: ○ Example: The feminist movement critically reflected on the cultural norm of women’s subservience to men, leading to significant changes in laws, attitudes, and practices. Power and Culture: ○ Culture is often shaped by those in power, who use it to maintain control and justify their position. Case Study: Robin Padilla ○ Senator Robin Padilla made controversial remarks suggesting that wives have an obligation to provide sexual services to their husbands, framing it as a cultural norm rooted in traditional marriage. ○ His stance reflects a patriarchal cultural norm that views marriage as a contract where women’s autonomy over their bodies is secondary to their husband’s desires. ○ This case highlights the need for critical reflection on cultural norms that justify gender-based violence and the subjugation of women. The Possibility of Cultural Change A. Examples of Cultural Shifts Women’s Rights Movement: LGBTQIA+ Rights Movement: Globalization and Cultural Exchange: ○ Example: The spread of feminist ideas and LGBTQIA+ rights through media, internet, and international organizations. B. The Role of Education in Cultural Change Education as a Catalyst: Gender-Sensitive Education: ○ Example: Teaching about the contributions of women and LGBTQIA+ individuals in history and society. Teachers as Agents of Change: ○ The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers in the Philippines emphasizes the importance of promoting gender equality and respect for all students, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Chapter 4: Women’s Ways of Knowing The Metaphor of Silence Definition and Context: ○ Silence in the context of gender refers to the lack of voice, agency, and visibility that women have historically experienced in many cultures and societies. Historical Perspective: ○ Example: For centuries, women were excluded from formal education, political participation, and leadership roles, effectively silencing them. Impact on Women: ○ The metaphorical silence of women has led to the undervaluation of their knowledge and experiences. Differences in Ways of Knowing: Women and Connectedness A. Universal Caregiving and Association Women and Caregiving: ○ Women have historically been associated with caregiving roles, such as nurturing children, caring for the elderly, and supporting the community. Research on Women’s Caregiving: ○ Studies have shown that women’s experiences as caregivers contribute to their ability to understand and empathize with others, leading to a more relational and connected way of knowing. B. Empathy and Connected Knowing Empathy in Women’s Ways of Knowing: ○ Women’s ways of knowing often emphasize empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Connected Knowing: ○ According to Belenky et al. (1986), connected knowing involves understanding others by placing oneself in their shoes and seeing the world from their perspective. Impact on Decision-Making: ○ Example: Women leaders often prioritize policies that benefit families, children, and marginalized groups, reflecting their empathetic and connected approach to leadership. Belenky et al.’s Research on Women’s Perspectives In their seminal work “Women’s Ways of Knowing: The Development of Self, Voice, and Mind” (1986), Belenky et al. explored the ways in which women understand and construct knowledge. The study found that women’s ways of knowing often differ from the dominant, male-centered epistemological models that prioritize abstract reasoning and objective knowledge. Five Perspectives on Knowing Silence: ○ Example: A woman who has been systematically silenced by patriarchal structures may internalize the belief that her voice is unimportant. 2. Received Knowledge: Listening to the Voice of Others: ○ Example: A student who strictly follows her teacher’s instructions without questioning or forming her own opinions is operating from received knowledge. 3. Subjective Knowledge: The Inner Voice: ○ Example: A woman who begins to challenge societal norms based on her own experiences of injustice is engaging in subjective knowledge. 4. Procedural Knowledge: Separate and Connected Knowing: ○ Example: A researcher who balances objective data analysis with an understanding of the social context of her research subjects is using procedural knowledge. 5. Constructed Knowledge: Integrating the Voices: ○ Example: A woman who combines her personal experiences, critical analysis, and relational understanding to advocate for social change is demonstrating constructed knowledge. Carol Gilligan and A Different Voice A. Carol Gilligan’s Contributions Her book “In a Different Voice” (1982) challenged the male-centric models of moral development, particularly those proposed by her mentor, Lawrence Kohlberg. Gilligan argued that men and women often approach moral problems differently, with men focusing on justice and rules, while women emphasize care, relationships, and the needs of others. B. Key Concepts in Gilligan’s Work Ethic of Care vs. Ethic of Justice: ○ Ethic of Care: Emphasizes understanding, empathy, and the importance of maintaining relationships. It is more concerned with the context and the needs of the individuals involved. ○ Ethic of Justice: Focuses on abstract principles, rules, and impartiality. It is more concerned with fairness, rights, and the application of universal rules. Examples: ○ In a moral dilemma where a person must decide whether to steal medicine to save a loved one’s life, a justice-oriented approach might focus on the legality and fairness of the action, while a care-oriented approach would consider the impact on relationships and the needs of the sick individual. Impact on Gender Studies: ○ Gilligan’s work has had a profound impact on gender studies, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in moral reasoning and challenging the dominance of male-centered psychological theories. Integrating Women’s Ways of Knowing in Education A. The Importance of Including Women’s Perspectives Why Include Women’s Perspectives? Impact on Curriculum: ○ Example: Including feminist literature, women’s history, and gender studies in the curriculum encourages students to question traditional power structures and recognize the contributions of women. B. Practical Applications for Teachers Creating Inclusive Classrooms: Supporting Female Students: Promoting Gender Equity: Every girl, no matter where she lives, deserves the opportunity to develop the promise inside of her.