Gender and Society

Question 1

Men and women are not equal

Answer 1

found in Plato, Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas. Women perceived as weaker, less rational, more compassionate yet inferior to men

Question 2

The essentialist view

Answer 2

there are distinctive feminine and masculine features that are intrinsic. Women and men are equal but different.

Question 3

The existential view

Answer 3

gender characteristics due to socialisation not innate masculine or feminine features. Simone de Beauvoir argues that women are born without gender, so one, ‘becomes a woman’ through conscious choices

Question 4

women are superior to men

Answer 4

Mary Daly argues that women ‘s abilities and knowledge are superior; a society governed by women would be more peaceful and better for the environment

Question 5

Genesis ch2-3

Answer 5

woman was created second and from Adams rib, was tempted first and led Adam astray

Question 6

Genesis 3:16

Answer 6

‘desire for your husband and he shall rule over you’

Question 7

Ephesians 5:22-23

Answer 7

‘wives be subject to your husbands’ - sees the husband as the head of the household and his wife should submit to his authority

Question 8

Galatians 3:27-28

Answer 8

‘there is no longer….. male or female; for all are one in christ’