Challenging the assumption of “maternal instinct”

May 28, 2017

Being a mother is not something all women instinctively want. Rather, motherhood is something that some women actively and consciously choose. Motherhood should be recognised as a difficult, consciously chosen path that deserves celebration and respect, rather than a biological default that all women are destined to succumb to. Dr Blackstone for The Huffington Post. 

Redefining “Masculinity” to include emotional expression, humility, relationship building and acceptance of powerlessness

May 28, 2017

In America, troubled youth are sent to “therapeutic boarding schools” where they deal with issues such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, anorexia, and other behavioral and psychological problems. Young men in these schools experience conflicting messages about masculinity, as therapy teaches them to accept powerlessness, open expression of emotion, humility, and relationship building – traits more consistent with … More Redefining “Masculinity” to include emotional expression, humility, relationship building and acceptance of powerlessness

The rise of the effeminate male pop star: a blow to patriarchy?

May 28, 2017

Three sociologists discuss whether effeminate men truly erode the system of patriarchy, or merely reinforce a different kind of masculinity. K-pop and J-pop stars practice the aesthetics of high-class masculinity by wearing eyeliner, pink lip-gloss and skinny pants. They are beloved by their female fans as gentle “flower boys”. However, some of these “genderless” Japanese … More The rise of the effeminate male pop star: a blow to patriarchy?

What is “toxic masculinity”?

May 28, 2017

Sociologist CJ Pascoe argues that “toxic masculinity” – men’s problematic gender practices entailing violence, sexual aggression, emotional repression and dominance – is not just a quality of an individual man. Rather, toxic masculinity is a system in which we all participate. From the wordpress blog, “Gender and Society”. 

Is non-consensual condom removal sexual assault?

May 24, 2017

Non-consensual condom removal, recently termed as “stealthing”, has been dubbed by some as a form of sexual assault. But Sherry F. Colb, Professor of Law at Cornell Law School, argues that “stealthing” and “sexual assault” are not equivalent. Although stealthing is “a wrongful act that ought to have legal consequences, either criminal or civil or … More Is non-consensual condom removal sexual assault?

ISIS targets ‘dangerous women’ in Manchester attack

May 24, 2017

On 22nd May 2017, a series of bombings hit the Manchester Arena where popstar Ariana Grande had just ended her concert. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks, which have killed 22 and injured at least 120. Lauren Wolfe, award-winning journalist who documents gendered violence around the world, points out the gendered element of the attack. She … More ISIS targets ‘dangerous women’ in Manchester attack

Ruth Hubbard on how the social influences the physical

May 21, 2017

“If a society puts half its children into short skirts and warns them not to move in ways that reveal their panties, while putting the other half into jeans and overalls and encouraging them to climb trees, play ball, and participate in other vigorous outdoor games; if later, during adolescence, the children who have been … More Ruth Hubbard on how the social influences the physical