Premium Essay

Gender Roles Of Abortion

Submitted By
Words 424
Pages 2
I. Gender Roles “Abortion can be seen as women’s ultimate rejection of the traditionally lauded mother-only role. Therefore, it is threatening to the entire gender order when women step outside of the domestic sphere that they are supposed to “naturally” gravitate to” (Bryski J.A, 2005). If a woman chooses to terminate her pregnancy, she is challenging the traditional role of wife and mother; thereby shattering societal expectations and not conforming to traditional gender roles. Based on a study done by Swank and Fahs, there is correlation between strictly adhering to, or strongly believing in traditional gender roles, and holding negative views towards abortion rights, as well as being involved in pro-life activism. 820 college students were studied, and it was found that for women, being a biblical literalist; the view that the bible should be taken as absolutely literal, which involves the idea that women were placed on this earth simply as accessories to men, and that their primary role is to be a wife and mother, thereby assuming that if a woman terminates her pregnancy, she is not fulfilling the role which …show more content…
Furthermore, ‘being married, and endorsing ‘traditional’, patriarchal family structures were linked to more pro-life beliefs and pro-life activism’ (Swank and Fahs, 2016), due to the belief that if a woman does choose to have an abortion, she is simply not adhering to the traditional, patriarchal family structure, and is simply not accepting the role of wife and mother. For men, pro-life beliefs and activism was linked “having an authoritarian perspective, having lower levels of education, and being poorer” (Swank and Fahs, 2016). Religion and being religiously involved also played a strong role in men having pro-life outlooks; as religion plays a role in perpetuating masculine ideals, or goals, such as Jesus, who is depicted as a masculine model; a strong, masculine carpenter

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

New Stats

...and Nicholas L. Danigelis. 2002. Changing Frameworks in Attitudes Toward Abortion. Sociological Forum, Vol. 17, No. 2, 187-201. The article looks at the issue of legal abortion, and attitudes have changed over the years. The researchers examine how the determinants of abortion attitudes have changed between 1977 and 1996, using data from the General Social Surveys. There are several reasons to explain how the approval of abortion has increased between 1977 and 1996. By the 90s, abortion had been legal for two decades, the population had become more educated and more secular, and other sociodemographic trends were consistent with increasing desire for contraceptive methods. For the study, the 20 years are divided into four periods of relatively equal duration and subsample size: 1977–80, 1982–85, 1987–91, and 1993–96. From this, it is noted that early time periods, whites were more approving of abortion than blacks, that pattern had reversed by the late 1980s. As part of their research study, they used weights to control for the effects of over sampling blacks in 1982 and 1987. The dependent variable was a summated Abortion Approval Scale based on the number of “yes” answers to six situation-specific questions about abortion which ranges from a low of 0 that represents complete opposition to abortion in all described situations (“no” to all questions) to a high of 6 that represents tolerance of abortion in all situations (“yes” to all questions). Ten independent variables have...

Words: 2790 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Fighting for Feminism with a Fetus

...Fighting for Feminism With a Fetus: “Hills Like White Elephants” The empowerment and the continual push for equal status for women has become widely popular and successful in recent history. Women have stepped out of traditional roles of the housewife and mother to become the submissive doormat to more assertive natures. Many controversial issues surround women`s crusade of freedoms including the widely debated right to choose what they do with their body, referring to an abortion in “Hills Like White Elephants” and depression in “The Yellow Wallpaper”. Gender roles had an impact on the woman in the short story “Hills Like White Elephants”. The personal evolution of the female protagonist can be divided into four major steps, the first revolves around the typical submissive and passive behaviour expected of a women. Through the ordering of drinks this demonstrates the gender role of male dominance and female submissiveness. The controlling manner displayed by the male character through ordering drinks is a stepping stone into his relentless pushing for her to receive an abortion. His oppressive nature is not only reflected at the bar but more importantly he displays a chauvinistic attitude in regards to the abortion as he states, “it`s really an awfully simple operation, Jig. Its not really an operation at all”(476). She attempts to downplay the procedure and with the continual pushing she agrees to do the procedure stating, “I don’t care about me. And ill do it and then everything...

Words: 522 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Eve's Bayou

...i Abortion Controversy: Conflicting Beliefs and Values In American Society By: Joseph B. Tamney, Stephen D. Johnson, and Ronald Burton Submitted By: Thomala J. Hollingsworth Sociology 100 Professor: Gwendolyn Royal-Smith February 26, 2013 ii Abstract This study examines the ideological and structured basis for attitudes and political action relating to abortion. A sample from “Middletown” in fall of 1989 showed that most people believed that abortion begins at conception, a belief in privacy rights, and religion. Social traditionalism also played an important role in a pro-life stand, which is only influential for conservative Protestants and not for Catholics. Catholics believe in abstinence and refraining from taking anyone’s life as it relates to abortion. The political action, the data showed that the pro-life movement was more important in 1989 than the pro-choice movement. Party identification was not used for abortion as a political litmus test. However, attending pro-life churches did increase the likelihood of using abortion for voting decisions. I am interested in this particular article because the subject of legalized abortion or the lack thereof, hits home for me. I feel that women everywhere should have the right to say what happens to their bodies, which is in the United States, even in other countries where women are not allowed to have freedom of speech and treated unequally. Legalized Abortion I Women...

Words: 1510 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Hills Like White Elephants

...I chose the story "Hills Like White Elephants," by Ernest Hemingway. The reason I chose this story is because it was complex and confusing at first. I first thought it had to do with sex. I then realized they were talking about an abortion, Or at least I think. This story shows and describes the topic of gender role. The author does not reveal the source of conflict between the young man and young woman in the story, but it is implied that the conflict is centered on the decision of abortion. The goal of the man in the story is to convince the young woman to have an abortion procedure. The goal of the young woman is to do whatever it takes to make her partner happy and thus preserve their relationship. The young woman in the relationship is definitely the "giver," while the man is definitely the "taker." The woman, Jig, shows herself to be very dependent upon her male counterpart throughout the story. She asks for his input on even the simplest of tasks, such as the choice and number of her beverages. She asks him, "What should we drink? ...Should we have another drink? ...Is it good with water?" Her behavior can be interpreted to be a sign of insecurity more than anything else. Jig trusts his judgment, feels secure in his company and seems willing to do anything to keep him around. When pushed on the issue of the operation, Jig shows no real concern for her own health or mental well-being, stating categorically, "I don't care about me." Jig's main concern is whether or...

Words: 914 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Chidongo Assignment 1

...THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA SCHOOL OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT NAME : LIMPO NAMAKAU COMPUTER NO : 11053909 COURSE : CVE 3020 LECTURER : MR. CHIDONGO PHIRI TASK : ASSIGNMENT (1) ONE LENGTH : BETWEEN 12 and 30 TYPED PAGES DUE DATE : 30th JANUARY, 2014. QUESTION : Critically discuss how the study of Public Legal Education would help school managers analyse the following; i). Public Nuisance ii). Negligence of girl child iii). Abortion Practices iv). Examination Malpractice Without rules and regulations, society would be impossible to have because freedom without boundaries results in anarchy which means total confusion. From birth, human beings’ lives, safety, health and peace are controlled by law. It is for this reason that this piece of work seeks to critically discuss how the study of public legal education would help school managers analyze public nuisance, negligence of the girl child, abortion practices and examination malpractices. According to Johari (1989), law is a set of rules which society develops for itself to control the behaviours of its members towards one another. Migel et al (2005) defines public as something that is not owned privately but in common, while legal is a word used to refer to issues, things, activities or information to do with how or what the law requires (Cooper, 1978). For a rule to be recognized as a law there should be a way of compelling people to obey it and this is done...

Words: 5671 - Pages: 23

Premium Essay

A Midflow's Tale Analysis

...During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, there were many important things that occurred in the history of America contributed by women. During this time period, there was much differentiation in gender roles between men and women. One person that sees the differentiation among gender was a woman named Martha Ballard. Laurel Ulrich was a woman that analyzed Martha’s diary through her book called, “A MidWife’s Tale.” According to Laurel, Martha was born in Oxford, Connecticut of 1735. Martha’s maiden name was Moore. She later married Ephraim Ballard in 1754 and had nine children, three of which that died in 1769. Martha’s diary gives much insight on gender roles and perceptions of men as well as women during this time period. But most of all, there were three areas that...

Words: 1938 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Revolutionary Road Essay

...The movie “Revolutionary Road” examines gender inequalities and the social norms that exist during the 20th century. This film highlights the different roles between men and women and the treatment they endured. During this era, women had very few rights and were viewed as the property of the household. This film takes place in 1950 following the end of WW2. During this time women were slowly gaining their position in society. However, when this war came to an end the men came back and took over. This caused women to move back into their social role of the household. This film demonstrates a loving couple that had the perfect life. However, as this film moves forth it illustrates the downfall of the relationship and how social aspects furthered...

Words: 1042 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Equal Rights Amendment

... Though the amendment was shut down in the 1920s there has been discussion about adding the Equal Rights Amendment into the constitution today. If the potential amendment was to be brought back up my stance on the debate would be in support of the amendment. For some background on the debate on the Equal Rights Amendment it would be good to look back and see where activists in the past were split and what about the Equal Rights Amendment has divided them. The Antebellum era gave two different types of women activists, the true women and the Early Feminists. The True Women argued for gender distinctions, separate spheres, domesticity, and women as moral guardians in their natural role as a mother. The True Women would be the women who be apposed to the Equal Rights Amendment and would be active in the fight against it. Arguing against the True Women were the Early Feminists who stressed gender equality, suffrage for women, equal education, human rights, and saw women as rational beings. This group of activists would be in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. Next would be the Progressive era where the two parties in the debate would be the Early Feminists and the Female Reformists. The Early Feminists argued for female independence, saw women as sexual beings, fought for worker’s rights, fought for female economic independence, and the equality of opportunity. These activists welcomed the Equal Rights Amendment and saw it as a much needed progression in the fight for not only...

Words: 1205 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Hills Like White Elephants

...an operation that the male wants the woman to have. While the couple never actually says what the operation is for, Hemingway provides clues about the operation, by having the male say “They just let the air in and it’s all perfectly natural” (230). The male then calls the operation “not really an operation at all” (230) and says of the female’s ailment “It’s the only thing that’s made us unhappy” (230). From these clues the reader can reasonably infer that the operation is an abortion. The wording used in these statements also indicates that the male is trying to convince the female to have an abortion. In an attempt to manipulate the female into getting an abortion or perhaps to force a miscarriage the male repeatedly orders the woman alcoholic beverages. He also keeps repeating how the operation is “awfully simple” (230), and “perfectly simple” (230). He tells her “I’ve known lots of people that have done it” (230). The male then proceeds to tell the female that if she goes through with the abortion “we can have everything”, “we can have the whole world” (231). He also implies that the pregnancy has made them unhappy by stating “We’ll be fine afterward. Just like we were before” (230). The male is minimizing the seriousness of the operation and blaming his unborn child for their unhappiness. He is forcing the female to choose between him and the child....

Words: 570 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Social Movement and Gender Paper

...Social Movement and Gender Paper Marco Ovid-DeSouza SOC/333 May 12, 2015 Matthew Szlapak Social Movement and Gender Paper Women in today's society live very different lives from those who lived in the late 1800s. Women throughout the last century petitioned, protested, and marched for equality and the rights that men inherently were born with. It took several social movements during the 20th century to attain higher education, gain independents, to vote, and to have the rights to choose. These social movements came in three significant waves. The first wave gave women a voice and granted them limit rights and independence. In the second wave, women fought for equality in the workplace and sexual freedom. The third wave brought gender violence, reproductive rights, and other issues to the forefront. Each social movement raised awareness, further forcing society to address the issues of inequality. Looking back at these movements, they were vital stepping-stones to the changes seen in society today. This paper will describe three social movements, the social and political environment at the times the movements occurred, and the effect each movement had on society. It will explain how each movement changed public opinion on gender issues and the effects it has had on gender view today. Social Movements The Suffragists With the first wave came the suffragists, which called for the equal right to vote among other liberties. The late 1800s and early 1900s was a very...

Words: 1123 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Case Study: Ge Healthcare in India: an (Ultra) Sound Strategy?

...Case Study: GE Healthcare In India: An (Ultra) Sound Strategy? What are the basic facts? GE Healthcare India, a joint venture between General Electric (GE) and the Indian multinational Wipro Ltd., had ended the 2005-2006 year with a significant rise in sales of 10% since last year. They were the market leader in the $77 million ultrasound machine market, beating its competitors, which included Siemens, Toshiba and Philips. The president and CEO of GE Healthcare India, V. Raja read the newspaper headlines which described how government officials in Hyderabad had been confiscating ultrasound machines that they suspected were being used illegally to determine the sex of unborn children. The article featured a poster for GE ultrasound machines, a police officer wrapping up an ultrasound machine and a pregnant belly (Wicks, 2014). As a result of these news articles, 102 clinics had their registrations suspended, police seized 112 ultrasound machines and three suppliers, including Wipro GE Healthcare had been accused of supplying machines to clinics without registering them with the government. This controversy could affect GE Healthcare India’s sales for the next fiscal year and its reputation. What are the ethical issues? The 2001 Indian census revealed that there were 927 girls to every 1000 boys, down from 945:1000 in 1991 and 962:1000 in 1981. By 2001, 14 districts had a ratio of less than 800:1000. A 2006 study confirmed, after analyzing data from more than 1.1 million...

Words: 1129 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Representation In Congress

...English Standard Version). He failed to see that women are included when paying for prostate cancer and Viagra, both of which are not used or detected in women. Another factor besides gender that affects laws is political party. Only 0.38 percent males were Independent and 0 percent female members based on the 113th Congress. Independent Congressmen are known to not vote strictly with one political party. This ability to not be loyal to a political party enables them to vote strictly on the issues and represent their constituents on their personal beliefs. When adding gender to political party, the divide on issues is seen even more. Female Republicans represent 4.32 percent of the Congress. Republicans are known to vote more conservatively then Democrats. This can be seen during the debate over abortion where Democrats supports more than Republicans. Although abortion is recognized as a woman’s issue, Republican women are known to vote against abortion; in fact, male Democrats predominantly vote for abortion rights. “Four-in-ten Republican men 40% and 35% of Republican women say abortion should be legal in at least most cases. Three quarters of Democratic men 75% say this, compared with 67% of Democratic women” (Fingerhut, 2016). The Senate and House of Representatives both plays a big role in the process of lawmaking duties. They were both established to represent the people of the United States. Although, it is evidence after viewing the 113th Congress, there is a lack of...

Words: 663 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

James

...By definition, "abortion" refers to any premature expulsion of a human fetus, whether naturally spontaneous, as in a miscarriage, or artificially induced, as in a surgical or chemical abortion. Abortion has been a controversial issue dating back long before the United States Supreme Court’s 7-1 decision on the case of Roe versus Wade. As a result of the case, it was decided that the procedure was a fundamental right. Since then abortion has continued to be a subject that draws fluctuating heated emotions from society. The social predictors of abortion attitudes are greatly influenced by varying religious beliefs, demographics, and political views. Generally, the debate over abortion consists of two stances, pro-choice or pro-life. Those who distinguish themselves as a proponent for the pro-choice attitude towards abortion believe that the procedure is a right that should not be limited by the government or a religious entity. They believe that if women do not have legal access to abortions, these women will resort to unsafe options to eliminate their unwanted pregnancy. Individuals who distinguish themselves as a proponent for the pro-life attitude towards abortion believe that life occurs at the time of conception. Therefore abortion is the immoral killing of an innocent human being. As previously mentioned, this debate stems back to the infamous case of Roe versus Wade. This case originated in Dallas, Texas in 1969 when “Roe”, the legal pseudonym for Norma Leah McCorvey...

Words: 2718 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

How Far Do You Agree That Women Had Made Significant Gains in Their Fight for Equality by 1980?

...that women had made significant gains in their fight for equality by 1980? Equality is ensuring individuals or groups of individuals are treated fairly and equally on the grounds of their race, gender, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. One such group of individuals who are in an unremitting fight for equality in context of gender and race are woman within the United States exemplified by the World economic forum global gender gap report of 2015, ranking the country 28th in terms of equality between men and woman. Although in terms of the global demographic the ranking appears adequate – impressive even by some accounts, the unwavering determination of the feminist movement leading up the 1980’s, disappointingly appears to pale in vain to the statistic. Indeed this trait of gender inequality is consistent not only today but also throughout America’s history. On the 3rd February 1870 the 15th Amendment to the constitution of the United States of America declared that all US citizens had equal voting rights. Indeed this would prove to be an unequivocally vital development in socio-political dynamic of the country, however the amendment ultimately marginalised and repudiated a fundamental gender arguing that they served no purpose other than to adhere to gender roles ministering to a man and reproducing. – The female. In perspective one could argue that the recognition of US citizenship within the parameters of voting rights proved to be the first stepping-stone...

Words: 2207 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Gender Relations

...Gender relations and women’s rights have been expressed through poetry, novels and short stories for generations. Two short stories written around the late 1800’s show an expression of women’s rights in many ways. These stories are Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin, and Hills like White Elephants by, Ernest Hemmingway. Both short stories have hidden messages and gender related views that are not quite obvious. I will compare and contrast these two stories in depth and distinguish the many elements of feminism and women’s rights. Story of an Hour is about a middle aged woman named Ms. Mallard who was told her husband had just been killed in a train wreck. Friends and family came to her aid to console her as the news was delivered. At first Ms. Mallard looked disheartened and upset, but then broke out in happiness and relief. She would keep whispering “Free! Body and soul free!” Everyone was baffled by her reaction and pondered the reasons she felt such relief; they thought she was ill. Ms. Mallard was not crazy because in her mind she was finally a free woman. In the story there is a statement about her marriage, “Yet she had loved him—sometimes. Often she had not.” Every marriage had its ups and downs, but there is underlying information that no one knows about her past. The joy that came over her body was so powerful and described as “monstrous” that her hear was racing and her emotions were running wild. As she is in the middle of this joy, her husband walks in the door; she...

Words: 1337 - Pages: 6