WGSX 3407 worksheet 3 PDF

Preview

Summary

Worksheet 3...

Description

Laurentian University

Worksheet 3

Riley Ransom The Gendered Construction of Violence - WGSX 3407 M. Koolen November 6, 2020

1. Discuss the link between stereotypes about certain groups of women and violence. What are some homophobic stereotypes and how might these affect the experiences of a woman who encounters violence in a same-sex relationship? What are some reductive beliefs about mothers and how are these challenged and/or reinforced when mothers enact violence toward their children? To begin, stereotypes can greatly affect particular groups of women. Same-sex couples suffer inequalities in health care, social services and criminal justice systems, (Hassouneh & Glass, 322). Additionally, mother-blaming is an issue regarding violence against children because when their child is harmed, mothers bear the fault, (Koolen, 66). Firstly, the stereotype that women are hysterical, emotional human beings has a significant impact on the misrepresentation of domestic abuse in homosexual relationships. The term “cat fight” is often associated with two women fighting and implies that women are not inherently dangerous. In a series of interviews it was discovered that many people consider women's violence to be frivolous or “no big deal” as they are “hysterical” and “can’t control themselves,” (Hassouneh & Glass, 320) In addition, the stereotype that lesbians take on either a “feminine” or “butch” role in the relationship can impact who is determined as the victim in a relationship. Often the “butch” woman in a relationship is assumed as the perpetrator of violence, (Hassouneh & Glass, 322). This coincides with the stereotype that women are nonviolent while men are dominant and agressive “... and that female same-sex relationships are egalitarian, loving, but never violent,” (McLaughlin & Rozee, 2001). These stereotypes greatly undermine same-sex couples and have resulted in a lack of social services and support from the criminal justice system when it comes to domestic abuse. Lastly, mothers are often to blame for child abuse. The stereotypical role of women as housewives indicates that they are most responsible for the wellbeing of their children. Studies in

this area have been poorly executed making women appear to be violent in their own domain (homes) while men may also be the perpetrators. Unfourtunatley, the majority of programs that address child abuse are directed soley towards women. 2. Why is it so important to contextualize the violent behavior of girls and women? Contextualizing violent behaviour amongst girls and women is extremely important in order to resolve this recurring issue. A lack of studies on the reasons why this type of violence occurs makes it a difficult problem to resolve. Often when violent behaviour is analyzed, it is within a family setting. These problems are addressed as they occur and are “gender blind,” (Koolen, 71). The criminal justice system is focussed more on justice for the victim rather than the reason the violence occurred in the first place. Stereotypically, women are passive and men are more dominant and aggressive. However, with the world constantly evolving, people turn a blind eye to the issue of violence amongst women as well as child and elder abuse. The only way to potentially resolve these problems is to determine the primary cause. As discussed in the course manual, “The assumption that women should be caretakers means that they are often blamed when neglect occurs,” (Koolen, 71). The introduction of women to the workplace and not solely as stay-at-home mothers has not yet abolished the notion that women are caregivers. While many women are not suitable to take on this responsibility, they are still expected to do so. As a result of this stereotype , many women grow impatient resulting in violence against men, elders, children or one another, (Koolen, 72).

To conclude, many studies of violent behaviour are gender blind and disregard sex and systemic inequalities as a factor. It is important to look at the bigger picture in order to determine the root of violence amongst women and put preventative measures in place.

Works Cited

Aitken, L., Griffin G. (1996). Gender Issues and Elder Abuse. https://d2l.laurentian.ca/d2l/le/content/141915/viewContent/1240565/View Hassouneh, D., & Glass, N. (2008, March). The Influence of Gender Role Stereotyping on Women's Experiences of Female Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence. Retrieved November 06, 2020, from https://journals-sagepubcom.librweb.laurentian.ca/doi/pdf/10.1177/1077801207313734 Koolen, M. (2020, September). Course Manual. https://d2l.laurentian.ca/d2l/le/content/141915/viewContent/1240565/View...