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Anorexia Nervosa, 2008.
An argument that anorexia nervosa is a social construction that maintains balance in gender relations.
1,822 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses how anorexia serves the purpose of ensuring that women remain in their proper position in society, with only limited power. The paper explains the beauty myth and how the female body has been socially manipulated as a means to maintain the current system of power relations between the sexes and profit the weight loss industry. The paper discusses how none of this pursuit would be possible without the mass media which defines the ideal body image and gains by exploiting the image of the anorexic. The paper appends a large amount of source material to the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
The Beauty Myth
The Body as Part of Culture
The Mass Media
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Anorexia nervosa is a condition that affects virtually only women and is also an epidemic which has attained similar proportions to AIDS. Far from being a disease on the personal level, anorexia involves the whole society and its structures. The most effective way to approach anorexia is through the structural functionalist perspective because anorexia serves a purpose in maintaining the status quo for the society. Wolf (1997, p. 187) terms the trend the great weight shift which "must be understood as one of the major historical developments of the century, a direct solution to the dangers posed by the women's movement and economic and reproductive freedom"."
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Same-Sex Marriage and Artificial Insemination, 2008.
This paper argues against same-sex marriage and the related issue of artificial insemination.
2,075 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
In this article the writer looks at same-sex marriage and at the artificial insemination of lesbians with an eye towards asserting that both are offensive on religious, moral, and sociological grounds. The paper first points out that the Holy Scriptures provide a number of compelling justifications for the elevation of heterosexual marriage. Proceeding further, the writer argues that there are moral reasons why artificial insemination (and gay marriages involving children) are unacceptable. Finally, the writer maintains that there is sufficient evidence decrying the effects of households headed by homosexual couples upon children for our society to re-examine its glib acceptance of the idea that homosexual couples (perhaps couples inseminated by artificial means) should automatically be given carte blanche to be parents.
From the Paper
"The reasons why homosexual union appears to be frowned upon by the Church ties into the notion of complementarity; that is to say, pairs of men and pairs of women cannot conceive children via natural means. In short, the procreative process, at least if it involves natural means, is only possible if one man and one woman are involved. As May understands the matter, natural fertility is a blessing of God and demands the active participation of both genders. More than that, the ability to have progeny invests in human couples the creative power that would otherwise be limited to God alone; thus, the natural process of mating is an act that should not be trifled with inasmuch as man and woman - in their natural states as God designed them - have been rendered in God's image, or at least man has been rendered in God's image and have been given the responsibility of carrying out a procreative act sanctioned by the Almighty. Clearly, man and woman have been designed the way they have for a reason, and it would be unwise to alter this complementary state by allowing lesbians to become pregnant via artificial insemination."
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Television and Sexual Orientation, 2008.
This paper discusses how race, sexual orientation, social class, gender and class are portrayed on television.
1,417 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that television is arguably our most pervasive mass medium, and reaches millions of viewers, often for many hours per day. As such, it is reasonable to expect that it may play a substantial role in forming and moulding public opinion. This essay examines how race, sexual orientation, social class, gender and class are portrayed on television, with specific reference to four very popular television series: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'; 'Ellen'; 'Frasier' and 'Friends'. It is argued that the relationship between television and the masses is becoming increasingly interactive, with the latter increasingly impacting the former, and both exerting a moulding action upon one another.
From the Paper
"First, it must be conceded that there is abundant evidence of television moulding our current society, conveying a view of the world that reinforces the current status quo. Take for example the enormously popular television series Friends. This series features four fabulously shallow, attractive, white, heterosexual, gender-role-conforming, slim, reasonably affluent, utterly self-centred thirty-somethings living in a US city. These characters surely represent the current patriarchal North American status quo. None of them transgresses any societal norms, and all devote themselves with indefatigable vigour to the most important social virtue of our time - consumption. Indeed, much of the action takes place in a coffee shop, where the characters simply spend their time spending money and being amusing. This is reminiscent of the television series Frasier, where the characters also appear to have a bottomless capacity for expensive coffee (as well as fine wine and good food)."
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Advertising and Women, 2008.
This paper looks at body image, female sexuality and debt within the field of advertising.
1,692 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 13 sources, APA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper examines advertising and how it impacts women in three ways: body image; sexuality; and consumer spending habits. Specifically, the writer argues that advertising has been - and continues to be - shaped by stereotypical depictions of the two genders, and that women remain faced with a popular media that glorifies unhealthy body images at the same time as it sexualizes women and impresses upon them the sense that they need to dress and act a certain way in order to be "true" women. Finally, the paper looks at how consumer advertising has placed women in a position where they are now expected to consume both like women - and like men.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Advertising and women: Body image
Advertising and Women: Sexuality
Advertising and women: Debt
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Advertising in America and throughout the western world impacts women in many ways - most of them negative. In the pages that follow, the impact of advertising upon women in the realms of body image, sexuality, and consumer impulses will all be discussed, with the general argument being raised that advertisers seize upon female insecurities and self-perceived inadequacies in order to make money - even if the process ends up sparking eating disorders and psychological disorders among young and old females. In the end, women need to appreciate that advertisers are not interested in social welfare but in making money - often by appealing to shop-worn notions about gender roles."
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Indian Women's Feminist Movements, 2008.
A review of four articles regarding the ideology of feminist movements that existed within the Indian Nationalist Movement.
2,277 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the pragmatism of the women's feminist movements in Indian history by presenting the points of view expressed in articles written by four different authors, namely: Suruchi Thapar-Bjorkert's "The Domestic Sphere as a Political Site: A Study of Women in the Indian Nationalist Movement", Carol Hills' "Nationalism and feminism in Late Colonial India: The Rani of the Jhansi regiment 1943-1945", Basu Apama's "Feminism and Nationalism in India, 1917-1947", and Stephen Legg's Gendered Politics and Nationalized Homes: Women and the Anti-Colonial Struggle in India: 1930-47". The analysis and discussion of these articles represents a critical view on the nature of feminism in India during the rise of Indian nationalism during the early and middle parts of the 20th century.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Basu Apama's article "Feminism and Nationalism in India, 1917-1947" dictates the state of feminist movements during a wide range of history, but provides the tenets of the feminist movement that was seen through the rise of Indian nationalism. Apama's argument for feminist liberation resides on the power of Mahatma Gandhi who actively supported the various feminist movements that sought to derail the traditional patriarchal constructs of violence as a form of opposition:
[Gandhi] claimed that women were better than men in waging nonviolent passive resistance because they had greater capacity for self-sacrifice and endurance, were less self seeking, and had moral courage.
This aspect of the women's movement helped to bring many women into the nationalist movement in India, but certainly, the pragmatic aspect of this foundation for feminist involvement only supports a patriarchal construct. One critical view of this feminist" ideology is that women were actively still performing a submissive role that could still deemed submissive to the male roles of aggression and "violence." The basis of a feminist movement in India appears to be validating the aggressive and submissive roles of women, especially when Apama defines women through Gandhi's ideology for being "less self seeking" in their agenda as a women seeking liberation. This begs the question: Were women merely being used as human shields through their typically submissive female roles in Indian nationalism? The pragmatism of Apama's article surely does not answer crucial questions as to how women were being liberated due to the often powerful men that still controlled political and traditional male roles in Indian society. Although feminist movements began to become more organized, the issue of its effectiveness is highly questionable under the policies of Gandhi in this period of history. In this manner, Apama promotes the freedom of women from the bonds of patriarchal institutions, yet there is little evidence that they made advances in reducing the often submissive stereotypes and generalizations made about them by the male donated nationalist movements in Indian history."
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Women and Power, 2008.
This paper examines the power of women in "A Proper Goodbye" by Katherine Vlassie, "Suitcase Lady" by Christie McLaren and "The Other Family" by Himani Bannerji.
1,359 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at how the power of women is constrained in ideological and socio-economic ways in three different stories; "A Proper Goodbye" by Katherine Vlassie, "Suitcase Lady" by Christie McLaren and "The Other Family" by Himani Bannerji. The paper discusses how the women in "A Proper Goodbye" and "Suitcase Lady" seem to have become relatively powerless, while the women in "The Other Family" have successfully resisted the forces seeking to limit their power.
From the Paper
"The story The Other Family(1990) looks at how ideology is combined with physical appearances in order to determine what a proper family is. In this story the daughter draws a picture of a family. However, the family she draws is comprised of blond haired, blue-eyed white people. This would not be problematic except for the fact that the narrator's family has dark skin and hair. This leads to a conflict between the mother and the child."
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Gender Segregation in the Canadian Workplace, 2008.
This paper discusses the issue of labor segregation in Canada in the 20th century, looking at various related articles.
1,500 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer refers to papers that help to explain gender segregation in the Canadian workplace in the 20th century and subsequent developments including the Canadian Labor Movement's gradual attention to women and developments seeing women more often in unionized environments that lessened gender divisions. The writer notes that all of the articles are helpful to an understanding of topics broader than matters of labor and women for they allow glimpses of a Canadian society and culture quite transformed. The writer maintains that each paper should probably be read with consideration of all that the Canadian state did not provide to generic citizens or workers, imagining the orientations of workers, and employers, to what was acceptable or desirable, and possible, in a post-colonial economy of much alteration between the turn of the 20th century and the turn of the 21st century.
Outline:
Introduction
Graham S. Low on Clerical Work, 1901-1931
Craig Heron, Changes to 1945 and Beyond
Into the Present - a Reflection
From the Paper
"Women were associated with family roles, first and foremost and as was true for another generation, those able to pursue professions usually did not marry. The under-reported women doctors graduated by several Ontario universities after the 1880s, for instance, chose their vocations ahead of family life, a convention then respected. Low's clerical workers of the business sector did not expect or particularly want advancement, but learnable jobs providing income and some security so as to maintain their household roles, too."
"By the end of World War I, women attended business colleges where they learned stenography. Low's article is of a kind focused on women's labour in relation to capitalism, of course, so unless a reader is curious, there can be no wider awareness of women who were performing differently in the public sphere, not the least of which were more than 4,000 Canadian military nurses serving on the Western Front and in the Middle East through the course of World War II. Of course, Low's point is to indicate how women became expected as office workers of particular kind, low paid and without advancement. Their situations were common but by no means general from 1901 to 1931."
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Helen Longino's "Pornography, Oppression and Freedom", 2008.
This paper rejects Helen Longino's position on pornography as presented in her work, "Pornography, Oppression and Freedom: A Closer Look".
1,235 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Helen Longino argues in her article "Pornography, Oppression and Freedom: A Closer Look" that pornography by its nature is harmful to women and should be controlled and eliminated. The author maintains that Longino bases this position on tenuous distinctions between pornography and erotica and on the liberal use of universal claims about the effect that pornography has on women and their place in society. The paper contends that, despite her superficially well-reasoned article, a closer examination of Longino's claims and analysis reveals problems that undermine her argument. The paper then asserts that pornography cannot be considered necessarily and categorically harmful to women. The paper concludes that the marginal harm that pornography might cause in isolated incidents is not great enough to justify banning pornography and restricting this form of sexual expression.
From the Paper
"Longino argues that these harms are cause enough to invoke laws and regulations that would limit freedom of expression and sexual expression. But are these harms entirely plausible? Is the potential for these harms to be realized justification enough to ban pornography. F.M. Christensen would say no, that efforts to ban pornography through limitations on freedoms--especially freedom of expression--is reprehensible and much more harmful to society than the potential ills of pornography. On this point, I agree with Christensen."
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Feminist Mythology of Women's Work, 2008.
An overview of a paper, "Five Feminist Myths of Women's Employment", by Catherine Hakim regarding feminism in Canadian women.
2,416 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses gender inequality and highlights a landmark paper entitled "Five Feminist Myths of Women's Employment" by Catherine Hakim, which focusses on feminism in Canada.
Outline:
Introduction
Rising Female Employment and Work Dedication?
Poor Quality Jobs and Sexism?
Implications
Last Remarks
From the Paper
"Hakim spent a decade in labour research for the British public service after completing her PhD. Then she returned to academic life. Her exposure to large surveys and studies of labour trends had shown her something other than what feminists continued to teach in universities, in terms of rising numbers of women making their contribution to a work force that should be, and would one day be of 50-50 male-female composition. Feminists resent what they see as sexist stereotypes of women as less committed to their careers than men. Hakim found that fewer women were strongly dedicated to working life, in the way that more men were, and significantly, they chose another kind of lifestyle, their home and family lives important, too, many of them not interested in high career achievement, not driven by dreams of upward mobility, high incomes or status. (2000) This is interesting to compare with work focused on women victimized by gender, class or other social forces. (See Siltanen:2004) For instance, lack of affordable child care is seen to block women's efforts to advance, over and over, in Canadian sociology addressing women and labour. One also notices in Canada a tendency to measure women's fortunes, or the fortunes of the feminist movement in terms of women's earning levels.
"A late 1990s Canadian Council on Social Development report is totally geared to whether or not women were catching up in the 'earnings race'. (Scott & Lochhead:1997) This began to seem a curious focus, given the very trying and unpredictable 1990s employment market, that has made many Canadians grateful to be employed, able to pay their expenses and enjoy good health, a set of factors shaping a new Canadian culture that is nowhere in statistical assessments and a strong idea of what "should" be happening. Hakim found that many more European women who could afford childcare because they had professions or high enough wages did not want to work part-time to earn more, preferring their family lives ahead of career life. Hakim is well aware of women prevented from taking employment due to childcare costs but they saw this as temporary, being able to raise one's own children for a few years one of the benefits of the lives they chose. Women did not feel driven to make some sort of feminist, careerist example as academic feminists asserted that they wanted to make. In Canada, a national childcare system is seen as essential if single mothers are to become financially secure. (Davies Et Al:2001)"
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Marriage, Relationships and Society, 2008.
A comparison of two articles:"Marriage: Then and Now" by Stephanie Coontz and "Family Responsibilities: The Politics of Love and Care" by Meg Luxton.
1,038 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses two articles that both deal with the interrelationships between domestic relationships and the broader society: :"Marriage: Then and Now" by Stephanie Coontz and "Family Responsibilities: The Politics of Love and Care" by Meg Luxton. The paper explains that Coontz supplies the reader with an interesting account of the history of marriage, showing how it has changed according to dominant social and historical trends. The paper then points out that Luxton shows how neoliberal capitalist policies have impacted family relationships and that the assumption that families must be self-reliant, and independent of the capitalist economy, dates back to 18th century liberalism. The writer concludes that both of these articles are written from a starting point of love and caring and both have an underlying agenda of promoting the greatest possible amount of individual and family happiness within the realities of our current society. The writer also believes that both articles provide useful insights into social realities, and constructive suggestions that can increase the happiness of many relationships.
From the Paper
"The underlying assumption of Coontz's article is that marriage is one of the many mechanisms of our society - it will thus change according to various social demands made on it. She does not appear to see any malevolent forces at work in this - marriage is simply an inanimate institution whose functions grow or contract depending on the pressures brought to bear on it. By contrast, Luxton's article does seem to pinpoint some malevolent forces at work. She blames what she calls the neoliberal agenda for the reduced role that the state is playing in fulfilling social responsibilities. Thanks to neoliberalism. She believes that the well-being of families has become subordinate to the well-being of business."
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Counseling in Human Sexuality, 2008.
An overview of various counseling issues affecting human sexuality.
965 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how therapists who counsel human sexuality feel that the process involves a complex processing that involves the patient's interaction of biological, psychological and spiritual scope. These developments of one's sexuality seem to be forever expanding and intensifying. Specifically, and within a spiritual content, the paper discusses how authors Dr. and Mrs. Penner in "Counseling for Sexual
Disorders (Resources for Christian Counseling)" explore sexual dysfunctions through counseling with regards to therapy. It discusses how the three key points explained that seem crucial are inability of arousal, surviving sexual abuse, and the Christian view on sex.
From the Paper
"Although people may think that female sexual dysfunction stems from psychological reasons, there may be problems physically in terms of the female vagina. Or, sexual dysfunction can result from urinary issues, past sexual abuse, or something that may be chemically unbalanced. After the initial physical testing, say from the gynecologist, urologist and Internist, and there is nothing wrong in terms of sexual dysfunction, the next step is definitely counseling. However, some women feel embarrassed to seek counseling in this field and either blame themselves, blame their spouse, and/or blame their past relationship. Many women are informed to use various creams and ointment for pleasure however they return because the husband doesn't enjoy the feeling. Increasingly, women are being referred to counselors specializing in sexual disorders. "
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Self-Image Maintenance and Prejudice, 2008.
This paper explores the extent to which a strong self-image encourages resistance to prejudice.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the literature on prejudice and self-image in order to determine how comprehensive the protection given by a strong self-image can be in respect to prejudice. The paper discusses how self-esteem and self-image are separate constructs and examines racism and gender in relation to self-image. The paper also discusses how it is highly probable that a target of prejudice with a strong self-image will be less likely to suffer psychological or emotional harm from prejudice, but he may still feel the effects of prejudice. The paper concludes that it is necessary to engage in further study in which a narrow focus is used to identify the impact of prejudice on a specific population, such as either gender or race.
Outline:
Introduction
Self-Esteem and Self-Image
Racism and Self-Image
Gender and Self-Image
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The study of prejudice and its impact on the individual has been well-documented in the literature. It is recognized that prejudice is both expressed and responded to in multiple forms, suggesting that it is feasibly impossible to prepare for all social interactions in which prejudice is exhibited (Owens, Stryker, & Goodman, 2001; Kernis, 2006). This in turn indicates that the person who is targeted by a display of prejudice is likely to be affected by it, and that the impact that prejudice has upon the person depends upon the type of prejudice displayed and the character of the person who has been targeted by it."
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Female Terms, 2008.
This paper describes the different ways of referring to women.
1,180 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at different words to refer to females, and explains that although the term female is first a biological distinction, the way the word is used, has a gender as much as a sexual distinction.
The author explores many other ways in which women are portrayed; some with biological basis; others that are clearly culturally defined; some that carry value judgments; concluding that both verbal and nonverbal cues contribute to how we view gender and how influential society at large is in this debate.
From the Paper
"The term "female" is used in various ways, with the most basic use of the term being as the identifier of slightly more than half the population. Female is first a biological distinction in opposition to male, but the way the word is used has a gender as much as a sexual distinction, with gender being cultural rather than biological. The term is also used as an adjective to identify either biological differences or gender differences, with certain attitudes, states, or things characterized as "female" rather than "male.
"The dictionary definition of female follows the biological and states that a female is "a person bearing two X chromosomes in the cell nuclei and normally having a vagina, a uterus and ovaries, and developing at puberty a relatively rounded body and enlarged breasts, and retaining a beardless face; a girl or woman" (Random House Unabridged Dictionary CD-Rom). As an adjective, the dictionary says the word refers to being "of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a female person; feminine." Random House Unabridged Dictionary CD-Rom). The latter meaning in particular suggetes again gender differences, for what is masculine and what is feminine differ from one culture to another and may have little to do with sexual differences at all for a given individual."
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Women and the Canadian and Mexican Workforce, 2008.
This paper argues that globalization is widening the already existing gender gap in the workplace, making Canadian and Mexican women more vulnerable.
1,300 words (approx. 5.2 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, on the American continent, the NAFTA agreement between Canada, Mexico and the U.S.A. has been responsible largely for the liberalization of economies, privatization and deregulation, which have all impacted the workforce, particularly women. The author points out that globalization has brought about an unequal structure of the global economy in which corporations are creating labor segregation, paying the most minimum wages possible and providing the least amount of labor regulations, all of which cause social and economic marginalization of women. The paper relates that various trade agreements push countries to privatize public resources causing a shift away from welfare and social programs such as social insurance, health care, child-care and childcare subsidy. The author stresses that the new jobs created for the sole profit of the employers are usually lower-paid, part-time or contract flexible work having no benefits.
From the Paper
"One example of such harassment and discrimination is cited by Quintero-Ramirez, (2002). She describes how managers are often able to request a medical examination to show that a job applicant is not pregnant. Because of deregulation, the working conditions in these factories are often unsanitary and even dangerous, and inadequate or non-existing healthcare often exasperated the health impacts suffered by these women workers. These women work for minimum wages while foreign countries reap most of the benefits. The maquiladora sector is of particular importance because it has grown 89% in the period between 1995 and 2000 . The managers of these manufacturing plants often prefer to hire women because of the patriarchal beliefs that women are more docile and better suited for boring repetitive jobs. "
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"Men Want Something Else", 2008.
An analysis of the factual basis for David M. Buss's article, "Men Want Something Else."
1,676 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and reviews David M. Buss's article, "Men Want Something Else." It looks at what the article says about men and their choices, but suggests that it is extraordinarily lacking in any information about what women want or feel. The paper argues that in fact we should not take anything in this article too seriously, as most of it is based on unproven assumptions.
From the Paper
"As we have seen, Buss's argument is much like an onion. It looks pretty solid on the outside - but as fast as one peels off one layer of assumptions, one uncovers another layer of assumptions just beneath. And once one has peeled off all the layers of assumptions, there is pretty much nothing left - apart from a very cleverly written apologia for male superficiality. It is thus concluded that Buss's argument fails, and we are left to speculate as to why it is that men marry. Personally, I suspect it has to do with having someone to pick up dirty socks off the bedroom floor and throw them in the laundry. Indeed, this could explain the male preference for young women, as they are more easily able to bend over! However, let us leave the ingenious marshalling of assumptions to vindicate the status quo to male writers - after all, it is they who benefit most from the maintenance of the status quo."
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