WST 371: Women, Gender, and Social Change** at
Arizona State University (ASU) focuses on exploring
issues related to gender, social justice, and feminist
movements globally. The course covers a range of topics
including gender theory, intersectionality, social change
strategies, and the impact of gender on social, political,
and economic systems. To help you prepare for exams in
WST 371, I've compiled a set of practice questions that
touch on key themes and concepts covered in the
course.
Practice Questions for WST 371:
Women, Gender, and Social Change
1. Key Concepts in Gender Theory:
1. **Define gender and distinguish it from
sex. Why is this distinction important in
feminist theory and activism? **
, - *Answer Guide: * Gender refers to the social and
cultural roles, behaviors, and attributes a society
considers appropriate for men and women, while sex is
biological differences. This distinction is crucial because it
separates the idea of gender from biological determinism
and allows for an analysis of how gender roles are socially
constructed and maintained.
2. **Explain the concept of "hegemonic
masculinity." How does it affect both men
and women? **
- *Answer Guide: * Hegemonic masculinity is a cultural
ideal that promotes dominant, competitive, and
aggressive behavior as the standard for men. It reinforces
gender inequality by marginalizing non-conforming men
and maintaining patriarchal norms that affect women by
perpetuating sexism and limiting opportunities.
3. **What is the difference between
"gender essentialism" and "social
constructionism"? How do these
perspectives influence gender studies? **
Arizona State University (ASU) focuses on exploring
issues related to gender, social justice, and feminist
movements globally. The course covers a range of topics
including gender theory, intersectionality, social change
strategies, and the impact of gender on social, political,
and economic systems. To help you prepare for exams in
WST 371, I've compiled a set of practice questions that
touch on key themes and concepts covered in the
course.
Practice Questions for WST 371:
Women, Gender, and Social Change
1. Key Concepts in Gender Theory:
1. **Define gender and distinguish it from
sex. Why is this distinction important in
feminist theory and activism? **
, - *Answer Guide: * Gender refers to the social and
cultural roles, behaviors, and attributes a society
considers appropriate for men and women, while sex is
biological differences. This distinction is crucial because it
separates the idea of gender from biological determinism
and allows for an analysis of how gender roles are socially
constructed and maintained.
2. **Explain the concept of "hegemonic
masculinity." How does it affect both men
and women? **
- *Answer Guide: * Hegemonic masculinity is a cultural
ideal that promotes dominant, competitive, and
aggressive behavior as the standard for men. It reinforces
gender inequality by marginalizing non-conforming men
and maintaining patriarchal norms that affect women by
perpetuating sexism and limiting opportunities.
3. **What is the difference between
"gender essentialism" and "social
constructionism"? How do these
perspectives influence gender studies? **
