Uts Nov. 25

Nicole Mae B.
Valenzona Understanding the Self 11:00 AM-12:00 NN
FEMINIST THEORY
Feminist theory in sociology explores the conflict between men and women,
focusing on the systemic oppression and discrimination women face. It addresses issues such
as gender discrimination, economic inequality, and harmful stereotypes, aiming for genuine
equality across all genders by challenging power dynamics and patriarchal structures. The
history of feminism is defined by distinct waves, each addressing specific cultural and
political issues. The first wave focused on legal rights from the 1848 suffrage movement,
the second wave expanded to workplace equality in the 1960s, the third wave addressed
sexual harassment and women’s representation in the 1990s, and the fourth wave, starting
around 2012, advocates for the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender identity or
sexual orientation. Various feminist perspectives provide different approaches to
understanding and combating gender inequality. Liberal feminism emphasizes education and
legislative reforms, Marxist feminism links gender oppression to capitalism, radical
feminism focuses on power dynamics as the root of oppression, and intersectional feminism
highlights the diverse experiences of women, challenging the idea of a universal female
experience of oppression. Mary Wollstonecraft is a key figure in feminist theory, notably for
her 1792 work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, which argues for women’s rights and
critiques class and property discrimination. Other important theorists like Susan B. Anthony,
Virginia Woolf, Rachel Speght, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Patricia Hill Collins have
contributed significantly to feminist thought, enhancing the understanding of gender, race,
class, and inequality. Despite criticisms regarding its focus, feminist theory remains essential
for understanding and addressing gender inequality. It is valuable for revealing the systemic
roots of injustice and providing a framework for creating a more equitable and just society for
everyone.
GENDER IDEOLOGY
The term “gender ideology” is somewhat complex as it refers to a concept both as a
scientific study of gender outlook and to the dangerous belief in women’s subordinate status.
In the field of study, gender ideology explores how various cultures view women, men, and
people that have alternative gender identities. This analysis goes further to understand how
these gendered views are structured and expressed through intersecting identities such as
race, class, ethnicity, age, and sexuality, revealing complex interplay of social factors shaping
gender perception.
However, this term also holds a more negative and critical connotation, relating to the
fixed belief in women’s inferiority compared to men and how this inferiority has led to the
relegation of men over women in social systems and cultural frameworks. In this regard, it
brings out the imbalances of power that are inherent in societal structures and how such
imbalances express themselves in multiple faces of life. Moreover, gender ideology can cover
attitudes and beliefs about what responsibilities, rights, and roles men and women should
have in society. Attitudes can be general to the group or specific to a particular area like the
family unit, the economic arena, the legal organization, the political environment, or society.
Gender ideology includes broader sociocultural imaginaries that shape our
understanding of gender roles, influencing expectations, behaviors, and social interactions
while reinforcing existing power dynamics. In feminist scholarship, it serves as a crucial
analytical tool to highlight how gender roles are socially constructed and the inherent
inequalities within these constructions. It particularly critiques the reliance on a
heteronormative binary of masculine and feminine, which can lead to the oppression and
marginalization of those who do not conform, especially non-binary individuals.
Understanding the complexities of gender ideology is essential for analyzing and challenging
systems that perpetuate gender inequality.
HOW TO TREAT THE FEMINIST THEORY AND GENDER IDEOLOGY
Feminist theory should be viewed as a crucial framework for understanding and
addressing gender inequality, encompassing diverse perspectives and historical context while
acknowledging its limitations. Conversely, “gender ideology” requires careful consideration
due to its multifaceted and often contentious nature. While academically it explores cultural
understandings of gender and its intersections with other identities, it’s also used pejoratively
to denote a belief in women’s inferiority. Therefore, seeing this word calls for making clear
what its intended sense is, and it deconstructs damaging sensibilities of the term. Ultimately,
both feminist theory and academic study in the sphere of gender, critically undertaken with
inclusive sensitivity, make towards a fairer and more equal society by challenging damaging
binaries and encouraging intersectional understanding of gender and its complexities.
FEMININE GENIUS BY POPE JOHN PAUL II
Pope John Paul II’s “Feminine Genius” highlights women’s unique, irreplaceable
qualities and their equal dignity with men, emphasizing complementary differences enriching
society. He cited receptivity, intuition, empathy, and nurturing as key strengths vital for
individual, familial, and societal well-being, noting women’s crucial roles as mothers,
educators, and cultural contributors. However, this concept has faced criticism for potentially
reinforcing gender stereotypes. His 1988 letter, “Mulieris Dignitatem,” further affirmed
women’s dignity and vocation within the Church, drawing on religious text and tradition to
address themes of equality, original sin’s impact on gender, Jesus’s role, women’s dual
vocations, and the importance of love and service, sparking ongoing dialogue on women’s
roles in Church and society.

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Nicole Mae B.

Valenzona Understanding the Self 11:00 AM-12:00 NN

sexual orientation. Various feminist perspectives provide different approaches to

legislative reforms, Marxist feminism links gender oppression to capitalism, radical

contributed significantly to feminist thought, enhancing the understanding of gender, race,

The term “gender ideology” is somewhat complex as it refers to a concept both as a

Gender ideology includes broader sociocultural imaginaries that shape our

understanding of gender roles, influencing expectations, behaviors, and social interactions

while reinforcing existing power dynamics. In feminist scholarship, it serves as a crucial

inequalities within these constructions. It particularly critiques the reliance on a

systems that perpetuate gender inequality.

HOW TO TREAT THE FEMINIST THEORY AND GENDER IDEOLOGY

Feminist theory should be viewed as a crucial framework for understanding and

acknowledging its limitations. Conversely, “gender ideology” requires careful consideration

binaries and encouraging intersectional understanding of gender and its complexities.

FEMININE GENIUS BY POPE JOHN PAUL II

roles in Church and society.

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