Compare And Contrast The Evolution Of Gender Roles Between Europe And East Asia From 1300 To 1789



Compare And Contrast The Evolution Of Gender Roles Between Europe And East Asia From 1300 To 1789

Introduction

A system of power relations governing the interaction of males and females which usually privileges the former over the latter. Gender analyses have primarily criticized the absence of or under-representation of women both from international political decision making, and from traditional narratives in the study of international relations (IR).

Gender analysis in IR is an extension of the broader feminist critique (see feminism ) and global activist project that has taken shape since the early 1960s. What binds together diverse feminist approaches to IR is a focus on women as political and historical actors; a foundation in the realm of women's and girls' lived experiences; and a normative contention 'that women and the feminine constitute historically underprivileged, under-represented, and under-recognized social groups and 'standpoints', and that this should change in the direction of greater equality.

Background

Gender can take on either of two distinct meanings. The first, and most obvious, is the biological; in that sense, gender is just the description of female or male. The second is the social construction of the concept referring to associations, stereotypes and social patterns concerning the differences between women and men. It is becoming more the norm to refer to biological differences as sex, and to use the word "gender" to encompass the social and cultural constructions based on differences between the sexes. Often the term "gender" is used only for the female sex, even though it more properly refers to the social construction based on sex differences.

Thesis Statement

The recognition that gender differences have implications for the practice of science has a long, if nearly hidden, history. Even before 1900, voices could be heard saying that research centered on the male experience is inadequate when dealing with issues such as household work or women's experiences in the labor market.

Discussion

Comparison of the evolution of gender roles between Europe and East Asia from 1300 to 1789

Europe

In Europe women used to leave homes only for the purposes of bringing water or visiting the home of another woman. The men did the shopping and all family matters, hoping that women stay home and maintain order. Besides cooking and cleaning, the European women washed clothes for her family. From the day of birth until her death, a woman of ancient Europe lived under the control of men. Her father, her brothers and even her children made decisions that altered her life.

In ancient Europe males spent majority of the time outside their home. Hence, their family life was controlled by the women. Besides the decisions of rearing, weaving and sewing clothes for the family; the women were in control of other activities and decisions in family. The women of Europe used to look after the everyday consorting of the house. Inside an economic system established on thralldom; there was copiousness of female slaves. These women were used to do ...