Teaching - Introduction to Gender and Development

Summary

This transcript explores the key concepts in gender and development theory, focusing on three core aspects: labor (who does what), ownership (who owns what), and power (who has power over whom or what). It emphasizes the relational nature of gender roles, ownership of resources, and power dynamics, which vary across societies and are influenced by factors like sex, age, race, and abilities. The speaker encourages development experts to consider these dimensions in their work, aiming to understand and address gender inequalities in diverse contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gender and sex are often confused, but they are distinct concepts, with gender being more about social performance and roles.
• 😀 There are three core aspects in gender and development theory: who does what, who owns what, and who has power over whom or what.
• 😀 'Who does what' refers to labor, distinguishing between productive (paid) and reproductive (unpaid) work.
• 😀 'Who owns what' addresses ownership of resources, such as land and water, and whether people have ownership or just user rights over these resources.
• 😀 'Who has power' refers to the authority to make decisions, control, and influence others, and is not always a visible or physical form of power.
• 😀 Power is relational, meaning it can only be exerted in a context where someone has the authority to do so.
• 😀 Gender roles in societies are shaped by cultural expectations of what men and women do in various contexts, including in families and communities.
• 😀 Gender and development specialists reject the idea that power varies only by class or patriarchy, emphasizing the need to consider factors like sex, age, race, and ability.
• 😀 The study of gender in development is not just about theory but requires an understanding of how these dynamics play out in the real world through fieldwork.
• 😀 To be an effective gender and development expert, one must be aware of these relational dynamics and use this knowledge to drive positive change in the world.

Q & A

What are the three core aspects in gender and development theory?

The three core aspects are: 1) Who does what and where, focusing on labor and work; 2) Who owns what, concerning ownership and usage of resources; 3) Who has power over whom or what, examining authority, control, and influence.

How does the concept of 'who does what' relate to gender and development?

'Who does what' refers to the division of labor based on gender roles, which can vary across societies. It includes both productive and reproductive work, as well as paid and unpaid work.

Why is the issue of resource ownership important in gender and development?

It is important because gender roles often influence who owns or has access to resources, such as water bodies or land. Ownership and control over resources can affect power dynamics and social inequalities.

What is the third core aspect of gender and development theory?

The third core aspect is 'who has power over whom or what.' This focuses on authority, decision-making, and control, and is essential for understanding the power relations that shape gender inequality.

How is power conceptualized in gender and development theory?

Power in gender and development is not just physical or forceful; it is seen as authority, control, and the ability to make decisions or exert influence over others.

Can you provide an example to illustrate how power operates in gender relations?

An example is when someone tries to act as a traffic police without the authority to do so. Despite attempting to exert control, without legitimate power, their actions are ineffective.

What does the speaker mean by power being relational in the context of gender?

Power is relational because it depends on the relationship between individuals or groups. For example, gender roles are determined by what men and women do within their family, community, or society.

How do different factors like class, age, race, and ability impact power dynamics in gender relations?

Gender power dynamics are influenced by various factors, such as class, age, race, and physical abilities. These factors interact with gender to shape how power is experienced and distributed in society.

What do gender and development specialists believe about the relationship between power and patriarchy?

Gender and development specialists argue that power dynamics do not solely depend on patriarchy or class. Instead, power is shaped by multiple intersecting factors, including sex, age, race, and ability.

What is the significance of the speaker's personal experience with Virginia Woolf's book?

The speaker uses Virginia Woolf's book as an example of how ideas can 'overpower' a person. This illustrates the influence of cultural and intellectual power, which is a form of non-physical power that affects people’s beliefs and actions.