How do systems of privilege and oppression function in our society? How do we combat these systems?
Systems of privilege and oppression function through our own involvement in them. Allan G. Johnson wrote in Patriarchy, The System that all members involved in society partake in the patriarchy in some way, including women. We cannot detach because we each have a role in the system.Oppression goes hand in hand with privilege in that one cannot exist without the other. Privilege exists in certain races, gender, sexual orientation and more. However, these systems are combatted through activism. People who express their dissatisfaction with the patriarchy can influence others and create a ripple effect.
- What is the concept of intersectionality and why is it important in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies?
The concept of intersectionality is that a network of factors interact to create an effect on one another ultimately affecting every individual in a society. That is to say that multiple social categories make up every individual and society’s treatment towards each of these categories is different thus affecting the general; treatments of the individual. Marilyn Frye explains it as a cage with wires interlocking to capture something, the wires are different social categories in this case. This concept is important to women, gender and sexualities studies because it is an issue that affects the perception of others. Women and nonbinary individuals face greater sets of obstacles specifically just for their identity.
- Why is it important to recognize patriarchy as a system and not an individual identity?
It is important to recognize the patriarchy as a system because if it is seen as an individual the blame is shifted and becomes particular to one side. This allows for division and separation between groups, specifically men and women. Feminism faces hardships because it is believed to be an attack on men by some. That is what occurs when a system is seen as an individual rather than a greater machine with multiple moving pieces. Men are usually seen as women’s adversaries in this case. Johnson writes that it creates this vagueness that doesn’t allow us to properly address the issue and the correct concerns.
- How is gender constructed and learned in our society? How do we perform gender?
Gender is a social construct created by social norms imposed onto us as we develop and into adulthood. There’s expectations of what to wear, how to speak, even how to sit all depending on the gender one is assigned at birth. In our younger years we are given examples and models of various people and depending on who we identify with is the behaviors we reflect. We also are treated differently depending on our assigned gender and from this we are conditioned to treat others likewise. Gender is performed in many ways, it is expressed through the actions we can control. These things include clothes, makeup, actions of service and mannerisms.
- What is the difference between sex and gender? How are sex and gender conflated (converged and confused) within our culture?
In the article Sex and Gender 101 by Kyl Myers, the author explains the difference between sex and gender. Sex is a gender assignment from birth related to one’s genitalia. Gender is an identity one can relate to. We know these two don’t necessarily align and it is because it is merely a construct. Sex and gender are words that are often used interchangeably and incorrectly. For example, it was only until recently that gender is given as an option when filling out forms instead of sex where the only two options are female and male. Still, people mix these up and assume someone’s gender or pronouns based on their sex or assumed sex.
- What is a double bind? How do double binds function within our society?
A double bind is when someone is caught between two difficult positions and will be criticized for whichever they choose. If one is caught in a double bind they are oppressed groups that will be seen as a threat or wrong regardless of the choices they make. For example, Frye says that if a woman is raped she will be targeted and blamed regardless of her being the victim and regardless of her sexual history. If she was sexually active prior, she will be accused of enjoying it and thus its not rape. If she did not engage in sexual activity the same would happen. This also exists in the case of immigrants in the United States. If an immigrant comes to this country illegally they will be accused of being criminals, if they come here legally they will still be accused of taking jobs. Marginalized groups will be accused either way they go.
