Assignment
Please begin by reading Module II: Women and Body Politics.
Though the phrase may seem odd, this construct is basic to understanding the framework of analysis for the entire course. There are several aspects to this concept, from the way in which women are judged based on their physique or figure--something which has changed over time and differs in various world cultures--to the ways in which the political system determines by laws how women are ruled, mostly by men or the patriarchy.
There are other elements as well, including how the media portray women and "mark" class, status, professional skills, and other elements, shaping both how women are judged and how women are made to feel inadequate when they do not live up to the public images of their gender.
The other way to talk about "body politics" is to think about the "construction of the female" by cultural forces. The idea is that no one is "natural:" we are all shaped or constructed by images that the culture imposes--and we can also construct different identities depending upon situations. That is called "performing gender."
Obviously, there is much to discuss this week based on reading the Module II and thinking about the various aspects of this basic topic. Do work with the suggested questions at the end of the Module, and try to develop several of the themes I have suggested here and others as they occur to you and in the reading. If you have media images to upload that reflect some of the ideas you have, please do so. This week should be a rich discussion.
study questions are
Module: Women and Body Politics
These study questions will help you focus on the important concepts in this module. They will not be graded and should not be submitted to your instructor unless otherwise directed. Thinking about the answers will help you prepare for the exams.
What is meant by the term body politics?
How can the study of the body and its presentation illustrate the concept of body politics?
How can the study of representation and imagery of women's bodies help to broaden our understanding of gender and social perceptions and roles?
Describe some of the ways in which the media defines and shapes how women and girls are portrayed.
How do these portrayals affect individual and collective perceptions and identities?
Locate images in advertising that illustrate stereotypes of women and analyze the meanings of those images. Which images illustrate stereotypes of women? What do these images mean?
What effects has technology had on women's health and health care?
What roles do economics, culture, and politics play in women receiving quality health care?
Why is it important for women's studies to incorporate discussions and analyses of women's sexualities?
How do patriarchal controls of women's sexuality and reproductive health differ among and between cultures? Give specific examples.