sex, power, culture
Kaufman on Triad of Men's Violence- connections between them
Consists of violence against women, other men, and one's self. Connected due to "surplus-aggression" and "surplus-repression." Connections to nature as well- dominate nature, dominate men. Women embody nature- dominate women too. Suppression of self in order to fit ideal male role leads to personal violence.
Critiques of Inglehart and Norris
Creates single image of a country based on a score- lacks complexity and reduces countries to a single position. Creates a monolithic portrayal of Arab culture as sexually repressive and the West as sexually liberatory- despite the fact that both cultures vary widely in this regard. Finally, its possible to promote the values of democracy in non-economically successful/ non-post industrial states.
Main forces leading to support for personal freedom and equality?
Economic development and industrialization. When men and women equally participate in economic/public sector, democratic ideals of equality are cultivated. Post-industrial societies can begin addressing abstract needs of self expression, no longer has to focus on basic needs to survive.
Who is most supportive of greater gender equality and why?
Educated individuals who are more wealthy. People who had positive role models growing up, aka more egalitarian family structures.
What evidence is there for change
Fathers wanting more active roles in the lives of their children. men indicating a respect for their wives positions due to post-war circumstances which caused women to take up bread-winner roles.
Inglehart and Norris's Argument vs. Huntington
Huntington proposed that in the future, the main clash between societies would stem from cultural differences as this would affect a country's willingness to accept democracy. Inglehart and Norris claim that yes, culture is a big divide, but not for the reason of democracy but on the lines of gender and sexuality. This is the "true" divide that acts as the root for divisions in other areas
Implications of this on the Arab world?
Implies that the Arab world needs to undergo a cultural shift which emphasizes democratic values of freedom and self-actualization in order to have a true, effective democracy. Also implies that due to the Arab world sexually repressive ideology, they lack a real democracy.
What is Valentine Moghadam's "classic belt of patriarchy"?
Includes North Africa, Muslim Middle East, and South and East Asia. Based on kinship/tribal systems. Characterized by extreme restrictions on female behavior. Strongest in rural areas.
El Feiki- Gap between cultural ideas and practice of premarital sex and how married couples deal with them
People are definitely engaging in premarital sex, but it is taboo/haram to admit to one's actions (especially for women) due to expectations of virginity. People deal with premarital sex through the practice of FGM and hymen-repair surgeries. People also test for virginity through hymen tests before sex.
Why do Arab women value family ties when they limit freedom and autonomy?
Suad Joseph- centrality of family in Arab Culture. socialization of women to put others interests before theirs, to see their interests embedded in family interests. Social and economic security that family provides.
How is patriarchy defined by radical feminists?
System of male domination and power. Leaves space to recognize that men are not the enemy, rather the enemy is patriarchal masculinity. Women and men must work together to end patriarchy.
El Feiki- Causes of sexual dissatisfaction and disfunction in marriage
Taboo nature of sex in the Arab world limits the acceptability of conversation regarding what one wants in bed. Couples dont understand that communication is necessary. Men feeling uncomfortable with women's increasing economic positions. Women's pleasure is not a part of the equation during sex.
Why is there a Lack of adequate sex education and the consequences
There is a lack of sex education because parents and officials believe that if young people are given the knowledge and resources to understand how to properly and safely engage in sex, then they will be more likely to engage in premarital sex. Consequences are higher rates of STDs, sexual-exploitation and assault, lack of use of protection leading to unwanted pregnancy.
Key findings on gender and sexuality in Arab world
There is both a maintenance of patriarchal norms and evidence for change. Overall, men's violence towards women remains rampant, but men indicate wanting to engage more in family obligations/more respect for wives due to their changing positions during war.
What is virginity and by whom is it considered important?
Virginity is difficult to define, but for those concerned with it- it usually refers to penetration. Patriarchal systems have historically defined and assigned value to virginity. Important because of establishing paternity, monetary exchange for "un-used goods," and connection with woman's morality. Virginity movement.
What was William Reich trying to explain?
William Reich asserted that working class families vote for right-wing ideologists (despite the fact that progressive policies are better suited for their needs) because of sexually repressive systems which limit one's ability to have self-regulation. Thus, people are unwilling to assume responsibility over their freedom and fall prey to ideological propoganda which chooses for them.
Evidence for perpetuation of norms which limit women
levels of normalized violence. assumption that men are main breadwinners and that women's positions are at home. men assume right to control actions of female relatives/wives
Bell hooks on why patriarchy is bad for men and women
turns men into emotional cripples. only emotion that is acceptable is anger- leading to self-worth being derived from one's ability to dominate over others (rather than establishing mutual, healthy relationships). Deny men their freedom of will by asserting patriarchal masculinity.
