Category · 26 questions
Gender
Gender identity, feminism, masculinity, trans rights — the debates of our era.
In this section
26 entriesAre working mothers interrupted more than fathers during the lockdown?
Mothers are more likely to lose jobs than fathers during the pandemic because they spend more time caring their children than doing their Jobs responsabilities. Being at home during the lockdown supposed an obstacle for women careers because they have to create a balance between their jobs and childcare.
Are people born gay?
Few scientific questions generate as much intrigue and political turmoil as the origins of sexual orientation. Is there a clear genetic or hormonal link to sexual orientation that indicates gay people are, in the words of Lady Gaga, "Born This Way"? Can we ever know if same-sex attraction is determined before birth? Is this a question that should even be asked?
Are there more than two genders?
Whether binary or a spectrum, innate or a construct, or soon to be irrelevant, gender is one of the most divisive questions on the world's lips. Are there more than two genders? What are the sides to the gender debate?
Does androcentrism perpetuate gender roles?
Androcentrism refers to a worldview based on male perspectives and standards. Men and masculinity are viewed as the human norm and women and femininity are viewed as "other". Many languages--including English--have long used androcentric language. This can be seen by the use of spotlighting, order choice in conjoined terms, and male generic language which is the use of masculine pronouns and words like "man" or "mankind” to refer to both men and women, such as in Neil Armstrong's famous phrase "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Recently, though, many are arguing for more inclusive, gender-neutral language on the basis that androcentric speech ostracizes women and other genders.
Does bisexuality exist?
Bisexuality is the attraction to more than one gender or sex. According to National Health Statistics Reports (2016), 5.5% of women and 2% of men said they were bisexual. For a long time, people inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community have discussed whether bisexuality is a valid sexuality.
Does conversion therapy work to alter sexual orientation?
Does conversion therapy actually change a person's sexual orientation? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that conversion therapy works to alter sexual orientation, and that it does not.
Has Covid-19 turned the clock back on women's equality?
Did the pandemic set back the cause of women's equality? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that Covid-19 turned the clock back on women's equality, and that it did not.
How do feminists view pornography
Feminist views on pornography range from condemnation of all of it as a form of violence against women, to an embracing of some forms as a medium of feminist expression. This debate reflects larger concerns surrounding feminist views on sexuality, and is closely related to those on prostitution, on BDSM, and other issues. Pornography has been one of the most divisive issues in feminism, particularly in anglophone (English-speaking) countries. This deep division was exemplified in the feminist sex wars of the 1980s, which pitted anti-pornography activists against sex-positive ones.
How is heteronormativity a threat to wellbeing?
This entry maps the debate over heteronormativity — the assumption that heterosexuality is the default — setting out the opposing positions that heteronormativity harms everyone, and that it is simply normal.
Is gender a social construct?
Is gender a socially constructed ideology which is embedded within an individual's psyche by societal standards of what is typically male or female behavior, or is it more biological than that?
Is intersectionality the new caste system?
The concept of intersectionality is viewed by some as a liberating principle that allows their voice to be heard, whilst for others it creates divisions and hierarchies of victimhood. Is intersectionality the new caste system?
Is our gender determined by nature or nurture?
Men are from Mars and women are from Venus, so the saying goes. But are the behavioural differences between men and women the result of social and cultural conventions? Or are our gender-specific behaviours driven by biological factors?
Is there ever a responsibility to use contraception?
As people globally are having wider access to contraception, should we be evaluating how this has affected our wider moral thinking within society? To what extent, if at all, do we have accountability over having protected sex?
Should asexual people be included in the LGBTQ+ community?
Asexuality is a sexual orientation defined by a lack of sexual attraction to people of any sex (though there are many diverse ways to be asexual). Recently, there has been some online discussion about whether asexual people belong in the LGBTQ+ acronym and community.
Should men-only private members' clubs still exist?
Do men-only private members' clubs still have a place? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that such clubs should be allowed to exist, and that they should not — weighing free association against exclusion.
Should transgender children medically transition?
Many transgender people choose to medically transition, undergoing procedures such as hormone therapy and face/chest/genital surgery. For those who choose to medically transition, these procedures can alleviate gender dysphoria and increase quality of life. There are some risks to medically transitioning, such as complications or wanting to detransition in the future. Transgender adults are capable of assessing these risks and comparing them to the potential social and mental health risks of not transitioning. On the other hand, letting transgender children and adolescents medically transition has been a controversial topic. Though trans minors generally only have access to puberty blockers and hormone treatments (minors are not allowed to get genital surgery, and other surgical interventions are rare), choosing to undergo these treatments is still a big decision with possible risks. Yet, the health benefits of medical transition for some trans people are undeniable.
Should transgender people use the bathroom that matches their identity?
There is continued controversy around which bathroom trans people should use - that which is true to their identity, or that which matches their assigned gender at birth. While radical feminist women's groups characterise this as an issue of safety, it can also be seen as a fundamental contravention of trans people's rights to not allow them to use the bathroom that matches their identity.
What are the views on the legalization of gay marriage?
To be denied the opportunity to marry is to be locked out of one of life’s main identity-defining rituals. Marriage is both an expressive and legal act but for many same-sex couples around the world, it is not an option. Should our legal definition of marriage be expanded to include same-sex couples?
What should we use as gender-neutral pronouns for non-binary people?
Many have debated about what gender-neutral pronouns should be used. Is it up to personal identity, or should a specific set be officially incorporated into the English language?
What's the problem with 'WAP'?
In August 2020, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion broke streaming world records with their rap duet "WAP". Its critics point to its allegedly raunchy video and lyrics, calling its proud descriptions of female arousal as morally corrupt, anti-feminist and grotesque. Others say that lyrics such as “I said certified freak, seven days a week” are liberating; that they reclaim female sexual agency and empower marginalised groups.
Why are men more likely to commit suicide?
This entry maps the explanations offered for why men are more likely to die by suicide — that toxic masculinity discourages help-seeking, that men have weaker social networks, and that men more often use more lethal methods.
Why are men overrepresented in tech?
Tech and software development are industries where men are heavily favoured. Is this because men are naturally driven towards these roles, or because women are turned against them?
Why do men cheat on women?
Heterosexual infidelity is increasingly common. Statistics vary, but most estimate that 20% of married men have secret extramarital sexual relationships at one point or another. Why? This illicit betrayal can ruin lives and tear families apart. So, what drives men to cheat on women?
Why do women live longer than men?
Scientific studies have proved that women generally tend to live longer than men, but the reasons for this are still theories. Is it socialization or biology that creates this gap in lifespan between the sexes?
Why do women still change their names?
In many parts of the world women take the name of their husbands when they get married. This tradition is very old, and many believe it is no longer a relevant or appropriate practice in the modern world. So why do women still take their husbands names?
Would the world be better without gender?
Would society be better off without the concept of gender? This entry sets out the two positions on the question — that the world would be better without gender, and that it would not.