Description
Using the readings and media from the week, explain how society creates different conditions for men and women. Identify and explain at least two ways in which society is structured such that men and women are treated differently and explain why this treatment is just or unjust. What is a potential feminist ethical response to this situation and which of the thinkers from the week relate to your justification for the response?
Required Resources
Required Text
- Understanding Philosophy
- Chapter 6 Readings
- Feminist Transformation of Moral Theoryby: Virginia Held
Texts
- Cady Stanton, E. (2007). Subjection of women. In E. C. Dubois & R. C. Smith (Eds.), Elizabeth Cady Stanton, feminist as thinker: A reader in documents and essays (pp. 206-212). New York, NY: New York University Press. Retrieved from the ebrary database.
- In this essay, Stanton presents an analysis of the social structures and ideas that have kept women in subjection to men. She also presents her own ideas about how women ought to be treated and how they should advocate for equal rights.
- Read pages 140-146 of the essay titled “Domestic Violence Against Women and Autonomy.” In this essay, Friedman analyzes the relationship between women’s freedom and the inability of some women to escape the destructive cycle of domestic violence. Rather than portray women as weak or ignorant, Friedman outlines specific social and familial limitations that prevent women from leaving these relationships.
- Read pages 693-706 and 726-727. Gilligan presents her analysis of the differences between ethical responses in young boys and young girls and she reinterprets female responses through the lens of what has become known as “care ethics.”
- Read pages 205-213 of the chapter titled “War and Violence.” In this essay, Noddings analyzes the relationship between masculinity, violence, and war and opposes a certain conception of masculine violence to maternal thinking in relation to these topics.
Multimedia
- dsnook. (2009, Feb. 23). Gender stereotypes in media [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nIXUjzyMe0
- This video is a collection of clips from various media that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations?Transcript
- This video is a short documentary about women who light themselves on fire (or are lit on fire by others) in order to escape their marriages or other abusive relationships. This relates to the practical ethical issues of equality and women’s rights that are important parts of this week’s activities.
- This video is a collection of clips from various media that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations?Transcript
- This video is a collection of clips from various Disney films that display gender stereotypes. Think about how women and men are portrayed in these commercials and films as you view these examples. Are they fair representations of women? How might these films influence young boys and girls and their thinking about the roles of men and women in society?
- This video presents various racial stereotypes that have been portrayed in Disney films. Think about how children might be influenced by these films in ways that influence the ways that they perceive people of various ethnicities.
- In this TED talk, Colin Stokes examines how media and films represent manhood and the outcomes that result from these representations.Transcript
- In this TED talk, Caroline Heldman analyzes how women are portrayed and judged in society according to their looks and she examines how this form of social judgment influences young girls and women.
- This compilation of clips displays inherent sexism in the news media as women are often judged by their age and looks rather than their intelligence and political acumen.
- This documentary examines a group of prostitutes in India who have been born into prostitution and dedicated to a fertility goddess. As you watch this film, think about how social ideals and structures often lock women into certain predefined categories.