Patriarchy, Culture And The Policing of Women's Bodies
“We need women at all
levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to
make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”-
Sheryl Sandberg
For centuries the policing of women’s bodies have been facilitated through various cultural practices, as well as through numerous institutions such as the medical and legal professions. Women continue to face discrimination from being denied access to an education, to being subjected to forced sterilization and other human rights abuses made possible through the system of patriarchy. Historically, medicine has always been male dominated. Healthcare gender bias has had a very long history from Aristotle’s distinction between the superior male “form” and the inferior female “matter” to the medieval notion that women were unbalanced due to their wombs. Despite the fact that more women have broken through the proverbial class ceiling and have entered the medical profession women’s health still lags behind their male counterpart. The system of patriarchy in which masculinity is valued more than femininity forms the foundation upon which women are treated in an inferior manner. Sexism has also contributed immensely to the sexual objectification a significant number of women encounter during their lifetime. We live in an era of “stifling” masculinity in which the culture in most societies can and quite often is offensive and demeaning to women. Many women have suffered in silence and many continue to do so out of fear no one will believe them or just out of fear for their lives. Disturbingly, some of the same professionals who are supposed to be upstanding men and who are to offer counsel also abuse women. The experiences of women are often overlooked and discounted at the doctor’s office. Many women suffer unnecessarily as their health concerns are usually passed off as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) related. Recently, a female colleague, who I will refer to as Pamela shared a bit of her story regarding how the medical fraternity discounts the health concerns of women. “I was 24 years at the time and was referred to this doctor.
“I remember an older doctor fondled me. It was so bad. After fondling me he collected for his job and told me that I should come back in a few weeks.” When asked if she reported the matter. “I told my husband but that was it. I was also too ashamed from being violated. I just thought it was my fault.” Many experts agree that a lot of women blame themselves for being sexual assaulted. Women who have similar experiences need to get some counseling to help them move on. Pamela continues, “most drugs were only tested on men and so when women take the same medicine the reaction is different.” Pamela further added, “Inaccurate medical test results forces us to seek second or third opinions.” Pamela suggested that a #MeToo platform might be needed for women who have suffered at the hands of male doctors. “This question just made me think. The fact that women are often molested in medical examinations is frightening,” she added. Pamela is of the view that many women are often misdiagnosed especially with regards to their reproductive health. “I remember how I suffered with menstrual pain and fibroids. I only received painkillers and contraceptive to ease the pain when there was a bigger problem.” Pamela concluded that doctors crave for African American women with this condition, the best solution in their minds in a hysterectomy.
Forced Sterilization
Another way in which women’s bodies have been policed over the years is though forced sterilization. Women historically have been subjected to coordinated efforts to control their fertility, including sterilization abuse. Sterilization abuse includes situations in which a woman is not aware that she is being sterilized. Institutionalized inducement of sterilization of women is documented. In an earlier survey of Puerto Rican residents it was discovered that one-third of all mothers, ages 20-49 were sterilized. In some jurisdictions women are also pushed towards having hysterectomies and tubal ligations rather than discussing with them other medical options. Native American as well as Black women have been targeted for this procedure over the years as a mean of population control. It bares thought that due to the fact that women in general and women from minority groups tend to be less educated many are coerced and deceived in signing consent forms. Women suffer disproportionately from misinformation, and in many instances are told that the procedure of sterilization is reversible. Researcher Alex Stern in the book Eugenic Nation: Faults and Frontiers of Better Breeding in America wrote, “in the early twenty century across the country, medical superintendents, legislators and social reformers affiliated with an emerging eugenics movement joined forces to put sterilization laws on the books. Such legislation was motivated by crude theories of human hereditary that posited the wholesale inheritance of traits…”
Cultural Practices
The policing of women’s bodies have become normalized in many societies and cultures. This systematic bias towards the control of the movement and expression of women is done through various institutions. Legislators who are predominantly men have used State laws and policies, educational institutions and even the workplace to creatively exert power and control over women and their right to expression. Women are told what is appropriate to wear from an early age. Even within the education system girls are forced to wear some ridiculous floor length uniforms to school. There is no research which shows any correlation with the length of one’s uniform to learning. The length of one’s uniform has nothing at all to do with the right to an education. The policing of a woman’s bodies have become so pervasive that it is in fact a rite of passage in most societies. In societies where women have been so wronged it is imperative that a culture of reproductive justice and reproductive rights be embraced. There is a need to revisit sex education. Sex education needs to be mainstreamed throughout the education system, from the Early Childhood level to the upper secondary level. In the society women who are unable or unwilling to have children often face discrimination and stigma, and are mocked and called humiliating names such as “mules”. The society is one in which motherhood is viewed as the ultimate ideal for womanhood, and as such the society thinks less of women who for whatever reason chooses not have to have a child. Women’s reproductive health and access to contraception methods are avenues which the State uses to police women’s bodies. The Maternity Act which is restricted to three births is another tool used to police the bodies of women.
Church and Religion
The church has played a significant role in the policing of women’s bodies. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, the apostle Paul wrote “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” Interestingly, the Bible does not address how men should or should not dress. Historically women have always been viewed as the seductress and temptress; after all it was Eve who influenced her husband Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. A female colleague who I will refer to as Deborah, commented, “Some of the stories are appalling when you hear how meetings are called to discuss whether or not a female in the church is deserving of baptism, membership etc just because of the dress code.” Deborah continues, “you see for the most churches before one is accepted they would have to show signs of reform in the way they dress etc. The church board has to investigate background and lifestyle to see if they are ready to be a Christian. Deborah suggested that this process is more rigid for women than for men.
“Yes remember when a woman gets pregnant she has to leave the Church or sit at the back bench.” Deborah stated that with more competition for church membership some of these procedures and rules by some churches are relaxed. Deborah is of the opinion that the structures established within the church as an institution is a major contributor to not only the policing of women’s bodies but how women see themselves and each other. She concludes that women are judged by what they wear and membership and active participation is afforded or denied based on how the female dresses.
In many Islamic societies, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran women have very little say. Women are required to wear the Burqua in public. The Burqua is the most concealing of Islamic veils. It is a one piece veil which covers the face and body, often leaving a mesh like screen to see through. There is also the Hijab which is worn by Muslim women which covers the head and neck but leaves the face clear. There is also the Niqab which is a veil for the face but leaves the eyes clear. While all versions of Islam suggest that a woman should dress modestly only Saudi Arabia and Iran have legally imposed a dress code. Islam cultures tend to have some of the strictest limitations for the female gender. Women in Saudi Arabia are required to obtain permission from their male guardians to do various tasks including travel, education and employment. In fact in Saudi Arabia there is a special branch of the force called Religious Police which monitor and ensure women stay in line. Men control all aspects of women in Saudi Arabia and as a result female subordination has become normalized. The Sharia law provides an unequal environment for women and undermines the principles of gender equality and human rights as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Way Forward
There must be a concerted effort by the State and all partners to educate women, especially younger women who are on the verge of starting their careers regarding how to protect themselves from sexual abuse and exploitation. As a society we need to move from a culture of over-diagnosis, to a culture in which medicine and medical care is personalized taking into account the peculiarities of each patient. As a society we need to engage more with pop culture to ensure that more messages which empower, uplift and are positive are produced for all sexes. We all need to look at the curriculum across the primary and secondary levels of the education system and ensure that there is an infusion regarding how to treat gender-based violence. The society must ensure that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are achieved specifically goals dealing with no poverty, quality education and gender equality. There must be willingness for the State to engage women’s group and advocates to discuss matters of concern to women. The time for strong and decisive social activism against gender related violence has long gone. The society needs to tap into the voices of women who are often muted, to move ahead in tackling issues of gender and development.
In the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, women belong in all places where decisions are being made… It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.
#healthcare #womenshealth #technology #patriarchy #medicine #gender #society #culture #reproductivejustice #sexeducation #feminism #masculinity #MeToo #Islam #Christianity #SDG’s
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
For centuries the policing of women’s bodies have been facilitated through various cultural practices, as well as through numerous institutions such as the medical and legal professions. Women continue to face discrimination from being denied access to an education, to being subjected to forced sterilization and other human rights abuses made possible through the system of patriarchy. Historically, medicine has always been male dominated. Healthcare gender bias has had a very long history from Aristotle’s distinction between the superior male “form” and the inferior female “matter” to the medieval notion that women were unbalanced due to their wombs. Despite the fact that more women have broken through the proverbial class ceiling and have entered the medical profession women’s health still lags behind their male counterpart. The system of patriarchy in which masculinity is valued more than femininity forms the foundation upon which women are treated in an inferior manner. Sexism has also contributed immensely to the sexual objectification a significant number of women encounter during their lifetime. We live in an era of “stifling” masculinity in which the culture in most societies can and quite often is offensive and demeaning to women. Many women have suffered in silence and many continue to do so out of fear no one will believe them or just out of fear for their lives. Disturbingly, some of the same professionals who are supposed to be upstanding men and who are to offer counsel also abuse women. The experiences of women are often overlooked and discounted at the doctor’s office. Many women suffer unnecessarily as their health concerns are usually passed off as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) related. Recently, a female colleague, who I will refer to as Pamela shared a bit of her story regarding how the medical fraternity discounts the health concerns of women. “I was 24 years at the time and was referred to this doctor.
“I remember an older doctor fondled me. It was so bad. After fondling me he collected for his job and told me that I should come back in a few weeks.” When asked if she reported the matter. “I told my husband but that was it. I was also too ashamed from being violated. I just thought it was my fault.” Many experts agree that a lot of women blame themselves for being sexual assaulted. Women who have similar experiences need to get some counseling to help them move on. Pamela continues, “most drugs were only tested on men and so when women take the same medicine the reaction is different.” Pamela further added, “Inaccurate medical test results forces us to seek second or third opinions.” Pamela suggested that a #MeToo platform might be needed for women who have suffered at the hands of male doctors. “This question just made me think. The fact that women are often molested in medical examinations is frightening,” she added. Pamela is of the view that many women are often misdiagnosed especially with regards to their reproductive health. “I remember how I suffered with menstrual pain and fibroids. I only received painkillers and contraceptive to ease the pain when there was a bigger problem.” Pamela concluded that doctors crave for African American women with this condition, the best solution in their minds in a hysterectomy.
Forced Sterilization
Another way in which women’s bodies have been policed over the years is though forced sterilization. Women historically have been subjected to coordinated efforts to control their fertility, including sterilization abuse. Sterilization abuse includes situations in which a woman is not aware that she is being sterilized. Institutionalized inducement of sterilization of women is documented. In an earlier survey of Puerto Rican residents it was discovered that one-third of all mothers, ages 20-49 were sterilized. In some jurisdictions women are also pushed towards having hysterectomies and tubal ligations rather than discussing with them other medical options. Native American as well as Black women have been targeted for this procedure over the years as a mean of population control. It bares thought that due to the fact that women in general and women from minority groups tend to be less educated many are coerced and deceived in signing consent forms. Women suffer disproportionately from misinformation, and in many instances are told that the procedure of sterilization is reversible. Researcher Alex Stern in the book Eugenic Nation: Faults and Frontiers of Better Breeding in America wrote, “in the early twenty century across the country, medical superintendents, legislators and social reformers affiliated with an emerging eugenics movement joined forces to put sterilization laws on the books. Such legislation was motivated by crude theories of human hereditary that posited the wholesale inheritance of traits…”
Cultural Practices
The policing of women’s bodies have become normalized in many societies and cultures. This systematic bias towards the control of the movement and expression of women is done through various institutions. Legislators who are predominantly men have used State laws and policies, educational institutions and even the workplace to creatively exert power and control over women and their right to expression. Women are told what is appropriate to wear from an early age. Even within the education system girls are forced to wear some ridiculous floor length uniforms to school. There is no research which shows any correlation with the length of one’s uniform to learning. The length of one’s uniform has nothing at all to do with the right to an education. The policing of a woman’s bodies have become so pervasive that it is in fact a rite of passage in most societies. In societies where women have been so wronged it is imperative that a culture of reproductive justice and reproductive rights be embraced. There is a need to revisit sex education. Sex education needs to be mainstreamed throughout the education system, from the Early Childhood level to the upper secondary level. In the society women who are unable or unwilling to have children often face discrimination and stigma, and are mocked and called humiliating names such as “mules”. The society is one in which motherhood is viewed as the ultimate ideal for womanhood, and as such the society thinks less of women who for whatever reason chooses not have to have a child. Women’s reproductive health and access to contraception methods are avenues which the State uses to police women’s bodies. The Maternity Act which is restricted to three births is another tool used to police the bodies of women.
Church and Religion
The church has played a significant role in the policing of women’s bodies. In 1 Timothy 2:9-10, the apostle Paul wrote “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” Interestingly, the Bible does not address how men should or should not dress. Historically women have always been viewed as the seductress and temptress; after all it was Eve who influenced her husband Adam to eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. A female colleague who I will refer to as Deborah, commented, “Some of the stories are appalling when you hear how meetings are called to discuss whether or not a female in the church is deserving of baptism, membership etc just because of the dress code.” Deborah continues, “you see for the most churches before one is accepted they would have to show signs of reform in the way they dress etc. The church board has to investigate background and lifestyle to see if they are ready to be a Christian. Deborah suggested that this process is more rigid for women than for men.
“Yes remember when a woman gets pregnant she has to leave the Church or sit at the back bench.” Deborah stated that with more competition for church membership some of these procedures and rules by some churches are relaxed. Deborah is of the opinion that the structures established within the church as an institution is a major contributor to not only the policing of women’s bodies but how women see themselves and each other. She concludes that women are judged by what they wear and membership and active participation is afforded or denied based on how the female dresses.
In many Islamic societies, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran women have very little say. Women are required to wear the Burqua in public. The Burqua is the most concealing of Islamic veils. It is a one piece veil which covers the face and body, often leaving a mesh like screen to see through. There is also the Hijab which is worn by Muslim women which covers the head and neck but leaves the face clear. There is also the Niqab which is a veil for the face but leaves the eyes clear. While all versions of Islam suggest that a woman should dress modestly only Saudi Arabia and Iran have legally imposed a dress code. Islam cultures tend to have some of the strictest limitations for the female gender. Women in Saudi Arabia are required to obtain permission from their male guardians to do various tasks including travel, education and employment. In fact in Saudi Arabia there is a special branch of the force called Religious Police which monitor and ensure women stay in line. Men control all aspects of women in Saudi Arabia and as a result female subordination has become normalized. The Sharia law provides an unequal environment for women and undermines the principles of gender equality and human rights as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The Way Forward
There must be a concerted effort by the State and all partners to educate women, especially younger women who are on the verge of starting their careers regarding how to protect themselves from sexual abuse and exploitation. As a society we need to move from a culture of over-diagnosis, to a culture in which medicine and medical care is personalized taking into account the peculiarities of each patient. As a society we need to engage more with pop culture to ensure that more messages which empower, uplift and are positive are produced for all sexes. We all need to look at the curriculum across the primary and secondary levels of the education system and ensure that there is an infusion regarding how to treat gender-based violence. The society must ensure that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are achieved specifically goals dealing with no poverty, quality education and gender equality. There must be willingness for the State to engage women’s group and advocates to discuss matters of concern to women. The time for strong and decisive social activism against gender related violence has long gone. The society needs to tap into the voices of women who are often muted, to move ahead in tackling issues of gender and development.
In the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, women belong in all places where decisions are being made… It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.
#healthcare #womenshealth #technology #patriarchy #medicine #gender #society #culture #reproductivejustice #sexeducation #feminism #masculinity #MeToo #Islam #Christianity #SDG’s
Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and/or gender issues.
waykam@yahoo.com
@WayneCamo
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