...SemesterMatrikel-Nr: 211199703.04.2014 Table of ContentTable of Content I.Introduction 3 II.Hermaphroditism vs Middlesex4 III.Cal's Intersexuality in Society6 III.a. Gender Identity and Transphobia6 III.b. Gender Assignment and Intelligibility9 IV.Dealing with Intersexuality10 IV.a.Stephanides Family and Dr. Luce10 IV.b. Beyond Middlesex: Other Cultures 12 V.Conclusion15 V.a.Outlook17 VI.Works Cited19 Introduction Inspired by the story of Herculine Barbin, a nineteenth-century hermaphrodite who committed suicide in 1868, the bestseller novel “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides deals with the condition of the pseudohermaphrodite Calliope “Cal” Stephanides. Since sex[1] and gender[2] are controversial topics that have been discussed by scholars such as Simone de Beauvoir, Michel Foucault or Judith Butler to name only a few, it can be assumed that the depiction of hermaphroditism in a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel like Middlesex might have an influence on how readers think of the topic itself. Due to this day especially hermaphrodites and intersexuals lack in most countries representation in form of the possibility of being recognized as a third sex. Does Eugenides mirror this situation and depicts Cal as in fact frowned upon, too? So far there are only a handful of countries that acknowledge intersexuality as a third sex which enables them not to have to be forced into either male or female sex categories. Precisely because there is still injustice and stigmatization revolving...
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...ATHROPOLOGY OF GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT [HANTH 107] INTRODUCTION Defining Key Concepts Gender is not about women as most people think. Gender is about both men and women. Gender is a set of characteristics distinguishing between male and female, and is a result socio – cultural construction, it describes the characteristics that a society or culture delineates as masculine or feminine. Thus the term gender has social, cultural and attitudinal connotations. Gender is a set of characteristics distinguishing between male and female, and is a result socio – cultural construction, it describes the characteristics that a society or culture delineates as masculine or feminine. Thus the term gender has social, cultural and attitudinal connotations. Sex on the other hand refers to the biological differences in chromosomes, hormonal profiles as well as internal and external sexual organs or genitalia.The term sex since classical times has been used to designate matters related to biological and anatomical makeup of a person. Thus while ones’ sex as male or female is a biological and universal fact that is however not the same with gender since sex is tends to be similar across all cultures while gender varies one society to another. Sex relates to the biological characteristics that categorise someone as either female or male; whereas gender refers to the socially determined ideas and practices of what it is to be female or male. Patriarchy - Systemic societal structures that institutionalise...
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...cultures that have an identified third gender. “The baku in the Philippines, xaniths in Oman, serrers among the Pokot people of Kenya” (Khan, S et al., 2009). Throughout these cultures people are being revered, oppressed, celebrated, and mocked. Specifically, this will be a discussion of the differences between the Two Spirits of the Lakota Nation and the Hijra of South Asia, and how both cultures have changed throughout the years from cultural evolution and colonization. An example from Lakota Nation is “an old Lakota word, “Winyanktehca” has today been contracted to the simple word, “Wintke,” meaning, “two-souls-person” (Schützer, 1995). Two Spirit people are revered in the Lakota nation, they are considered sacred, spiritual and mysterious. When the European settlers arrived in the “new world”, they worked to change multiple aspects of the Lakota nation, including the treatment of the Wintke. Wintke are called to transform their gender in dreams from their deity. Schützer (1995) stated that she was given a choice “Lakota deities never order. [Her] gender transformation was called for by the Spirits” (Shützer, 1995). Schützer felt called by her ancestors, the spirits that she worshiped and held sacred, to change her life and her experience within that life. Dreams of a different life chased her into the daylight hours and she made a decision to follow a scared path that was protected by her own culture. A culture that viewed gender differently than that of the Europeans...
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...Introduction Erik Erikson (1950) observed adolescent developments like epigenetic steps of development, meaning that the adolescent’s primary duty during this stage is to form identity (Schwartz & Montgomery, 2002; Chen & Farruggia, 2002). Carol Gilligan (1988) suggested that gender differences had an impact on the human development cycle. The experiences of adolescents across the world are similar through sub-cultural and cultural communities, historical eras, and boys and girls. Universal Similarities All cultures around the world see adolescents as a special time for the person experiencing adolescence. In third world societies of some countries, kids are often uneducated and often get married at a very young age (Chen & Farruggia, 2002). Because of this, the time from childhood to adulthood is lost and these adolescents are thrown into adulthood before they are physically or emotionally mature or into what civilized western worlds call “grown up.” Although this is the case, studies in about 160 societies discovered that just about all of the societies studied recognized adolescence at some point (Chen & Farrugia, 2002). Recognition of adolescence is unique and varies by culture gender, and social standings (Chen & Farrugia, 2002). Similarities and Differences Between Cultures and Sub-Cultures Stanley Hall (1916) conducted a lot of adolescent research and indicated that adolescents are experiencing a chaotic time in their lives. The experience of dealing with raging...
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...Introduction To Sociology II notes by Mutangi G T Sociology is the study of human social life. Because human social life is so expansive, sociology has many sub-sections of study, ranging from the analysis of conversations to the development of theories to try to understand how the entire world works. This chapter will introduce you to sociology and explain why it is important, how it can change your perspective of the world around you, and give a brief history of the discipline. History Sociology is a relatively new academic discipline. It emerged in the early 19th century in response to the challenges of modernity. Increasing mobility and technological advances resulted in the increasing exposure of people to cultures and societies different from their own. The impact of this exposure was varied, but for some people included the breakdown of traditional norms and customs and warranted a revised understanding of how the world works. Sociologists responded to these changes by trying to understand what holds social groups together and also explore possible solutions to the breakdown of social solidarity. Early Sociological Studies Early sociological studies considered the field to be similar to the natural sciences like physics or biology. As a result, many researchers argued that the methodology used in the natural sciences were perfectly suited for use in the social sciences, including Sociology. The effect of employing the scientific method and stressing empiricism was the...
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...Culture Sociology 101 CRN 70759 September 25, 2015 Abstract This paper examines some over views of the cultural diversity of women in Albania. In Northern Albania there are some women who had decided to take on a gender role of a man. I had some really interesting insight after reading authors’ facts and opinions on a woman’s role in Northern Albania. This paper will explain my insights I have learned from my research about women of Northern Albania. Women in Northern Albania had no liberal rights and were not equal to a man. In particular; what I wrote about in my findings of research was the Albanian women who decided to take on a gender role of a man in their society. Albanian Women in their Culture In this case, my researching of some Albanian women choosing to take the gender role of a man is understandable under their circumstances. I do look at this from a walk-in-my-shoes point of view. The best way to understand is with an open mind and considerate respect of Albanian’s culture. The question in our essay prompt; is can we use a standard “quality of life” evaluating people from their culture? Probably so; but in my research it would be hard not to avoid cultural relativism and or ethnocentrism in examining cultures different from our own. If I were to visit Northern Albania and have the opportunity to meet with these women who decided to take on the gender role of a man; I would not judge their actions of their choices. In amazement I thought how brave they are...
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...The third aspect of multicultural counseling I am going to look at is on the issues of gender differences The group members presenting this topic defined gender as what is culturally assumed as femininity and masculininity. According to Deustch (2007). Gender refers to social attributes and opportunities associated with being male or female and the relationship between men and women, boys and girls which are learnt through socialization. Boys and girls are socialized differently. Gender socialization refers to norms, behaviuor and attitudes considered appropriate for given sex by society. Boys learn to be boys and girls to be girls. For example, girls are expected to play with dolls and boys with toy cars. Girls are praised for being neat while boys are encouraged to think independently and be active and speak up. Boys learn to manipulate their social and physical environment through physical strength while girls present themselves as objects to be viewed. Howell (1981) cited by McLeod (1998) points out that the basic assumption of feminists is that the great majority of cultures women are systematically oppressed and exploited. MacKinnon(1982) also cited by MacLeod(1998) noted that the female gender stereotype is the gender socialization process through which women internalized themselves as sexual beings that exists for men.. Due to gender socialization the group found themselves facing workplace discrimination such as acceptance for typical male for manual labour while...
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...Feminism refers to political, cultural, and economic movements aimed at establishing greater rights, legal protection for women, and or women's liberation. It includes some of the sociological theories and philosophies concerned with issues of gender difference. Nancy Cott defines feminism as the belief in the importance of gender equality, invalidating the idea of gender hierarchy as a socially constructed concept. Feminism has earned itself a bad reputation, but it never undermined gender differences that exist between males and females. A man can never be as good a mother as a female can. Similarly, a woman can never be as good a father as a male can. While accepting these anatomical and physiological differences between the two genders, feminism seeks for both genders to be equally respected. They are both human and as a species, humans cannot progress without either one of them. Maggie Humm and Rebecca Walker divide the history of feminism into three waves. The first wave transpired in the nineteenth and early twentieth century’s, the second occurred in the 1960s and 1970s, and the third extends from the 1990s to the present. In each wave of the movement, though men have taken part in significant responses to feminism, the relationship between men and feminism has been complex. Historically, a number of men have engaged with feminism. Philosopher Jeremy Bentham demanded equal rights for women in the eighteenth century. In 1866, philosopher John Stuart Mill presented a women's...
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... Using this backdrop, the global movement for women rights strives to enhance the human rights discourse by redressing gender vulnerabilities. Even though there are still continuing political struggles in making central the concerns of gender abuse, it has achieved considerable rethinking of the human rights doctrine as formerly understood....
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...The Western approach to the Global South nations’ religious practice of Female Genital Mutilation. Despite the enormous impact of globalization on multiple aspects of life in countries around the world and the cultural homogenization, the First and the Third worlds’ mentalities remain extremely different. The distinction between both worlds sometimes leads to serious controversies. With the dominance of the European model of gender equality and the lack of understanding due to cultural differences, Western representatives tend to criticize the traditions like female genital mutilation (FGM). Their main concern is that women in the countries of the Global South are oppressed by these practices. Thus, Western feminists are unable to get past...
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...hospital. Two weeks later, she succumb to severe internal injury. In India, women faced many culture challenges. “It’s really a constellation of factors hindering women’s rights, including gender sex selection, literacy, child marriage , and violence.” (Council on Foreign Relations, Beina Xu, 10 June 2013) Most raped go unrecorded, primarily because of cultural stigmas encircling such events that could bring humiliation to victims and their families. But those who report their cases will...
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...THIRD LIFE FOUNDATION BUSINESS PLAN 2011 Preliminary Details Document Control Title: Business Plan Version: One Date: As at 05 May 2011 Author: Ankit Sethi Reference: Social Enterprise- Business Plan Contacts : Third Life Foundation Mumbai P: +44 07580 421 050 Email: info@thirdlifefoundation.com Professional Advisors : Mr Chris MahonGlossary GLOSSARY/DEFINITIONS TLF : Third Life Foundation Hijra - a socio-cultural construct in which a transgender person who is biologically male takes on the gender role of a female. Hijras in India have their own form of social organization and form a parallel society.[1] Transgender - someone who is anatomically born in a certain sex, but is more comfortable with the gender/sexual identity of a different gender, and chooses to go in for a sex reassignment surgery or hormonal treatment.1 Sexuality minorities - people discriminated against due to their sexual identity/orientation or gender identity. This includes gays, lesbians, bisexuals, hijras, kotis, transgenders, etc.1 Contents Executive Summary Current Situation • Basic Company Information o Mission o Company Values o Organisational Structure o Products and Services o Core Competencies External Environment ❖ Context ❖ The Economy ❖ Needs Analysis ❖ Market Analysis ❖ Competitor Analysis ❖ Competitive Advantages ...
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...ABSTRACT Gender is a common term where as gender discrimination is meant only for women, because females are the only victims of gender discrimination. Females are nearly 50 percent of the total population but their representation in public life is very low. Recognizing women’s right and believing their ability are essential for women’s empowerment and development. This study deals with gender discrimination in India, its various forms and its causes. Importance of women in development, legislation for women and solution for gender discrimination are also discussed in this paper. Key Words: gender discrimination, women’s development, legislation for women, education, employment, economic independence, empowerment, decision making and self confidence. GENDER DISCRIMINATION AND WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA Introduction Gender is a common term where as gender discrimination is meant only for women, because females are the only victims of gender discrimination. Gender discrimination is not biologically determined but it is determined by socially and the discrimination can be changed by the proper and perpetuate efforts. Denial of equality, rights and opportunity and suppresment in any form on the basis of gender is gender discrimination. Half of the world’s population is females. They are doing two-third of work of the total work in the world but received only one-tenth of the world’s total income. Nearly two-third of the women is...
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...The Individual and the Society The individual and society is study of the relationship between an individual and the society and the process through which an individual learns about culture, norms and values of a society. This allows for integration and a sense of belonging. Each society has different values and norms which help to promote unity and coherence. Values are the things we regard as important, true and right. It may differ from individual to individual and also cultures and may be as a result of gender, beliefs and religion. In an African society, a male child is brought up to recognise he is a breadwinner and consequently taught the value of working hard to provide for his family, on the other hand education may be seen as wasted on a female child because she is meant to be provided for by her husband. In such a society education is not valued in females. Values change and evolve because today most societies have accepted the importance of education in both the male and female child. There are still some restrictions in some societies like in Saudi Arabia where women are not allowed to freely mix with men in the work place. Some of the change in values can occur from experiences in the secondary socialisation process. The change will allow for development, growth and modernisation. For instance a traditional Muslim male takes his wife to see a doctor for checkups will insist he wants a female doctor to attend to her. With time he begins to see the gap created...
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...Hofstede's cultural framework [9], [10] Hofstede's (1980, 2001) cultural framework is built on the premise that people from around the world are guided by different attitudes, beliefs, customs, morals and ethical standards. Societies are based upon different traditions, rituals, and religions; and promote different views regarding family, work, social, and personal responsibilities. Hofstede's framework was originally comprised of four dimensions. The first dimension - individualism/collectivism - is widely acknowledged as a defining element of culture. In individualistic societies people are expected to look out after themselves, whereas in collectivist societies there is a greater emphasis on group welfare and loyalty. Individualists value independence and self-expression, and tend to believe that personal goals and interests are more important than group interests. In contrast, collectivists tend to view themselves as members of an extended family or organization, place group interests ahead of individual needs, and value reciprocation of favors and respect for tradition. The second dimension - uncertainty avoidance - represents the extent to which people feel uncomfortable or threatened by ambiguous and uncertain situations, and thus create belief systems and institutions in order to promote conformity. Societies with higher levels of uncertainty avoidance place greater value on security (e.g., financial, social), feel a greater need for consensus and written rules, and...
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