Feminism Flashcards
(15 cards)
Define Patriarchy
Patriarchy comes from the idea that men are superior to women because of physical strength
Why do feminists dislike the idea of patriarchy
Feminists dislike the idea of patriarchy because they do not believe that biological sex has anything to do with who is more superior
Define sex with a feminist viewpoint
Sex is the biological makeup that makes one either a man or woman
Define gender with a feminist viewpoint
Gender is the manner that society/culture raises one to be masculine or feminine
Define Gender roles
Gender roles are how one is expected to speak, act, dress and the way one behaves based off of what sex they are.
Created by a patriarchal society
What are examples of male gender roles
rational, strong, protective
decisive and financially responsible for their families (breadwinners)
What are examples of female gender roles
emotional, weak
nurturing, submissive
caring, supportive, moral guides for their children and virtuous
What is the impact of gender roles
they stop women from getting: Equal leadership opportunities, Equal pay
Equal jobs and Equal political power
how are women portrayed in literature
Women were portrayed in literature as the “wife”, the “mother”, the “daughter”, the “temptress”, the “sweetheart”. which was by male writers
Why did feminists not like these gender stereotypes of women
They did not like they way women were being portrayed in literature as it seemed man-made, judgemental and sexist
Define “good girl” in literature and give examples
modest, self sacrificing
nurturing, moral, averse to sex
supportive wife and a strong mother who put her children’s and family’s needs before her own.
Define “bad girl” in literature and give examples
usually women who were poor, wore provocative clothes, were promiscuous and were opinionated
Why did Feminist critics determined that such stereotypes were harmful?
because they distorted reality, and imposed artificial identities which determined expected modes of behaviour (eg., the wife is dutiful, the mother selfless, the daughter obedient, etc.).
What is the goal of feminist theory?
Feminist theory aims to challenge gender inequality and promote equal rights for all genders.
What are the two different ways that female characters are presented?
1) as “passive” or “victimized” characters (eg., the “princess in the tower” character), with little or no control over their own destiny;
2) the evil, or morally weak, character (eg., the wicked witch, wicked stepmother, jealous sister, etc.), who taints everything she touches.
