Women and Inequality in a Changing World: Exploring New Paradigms for Peace Read Along
In the exploration of women's shifting perceptions in the world, the implications of place, space, and time play a crucial role in understanding and challenging gender dynamics. The final section of the Edited Volume, Part III: Challenging Boundaries, Subverting Expectations, and Emphasizing Potential, features the chapter titled "Shifting Perceptions of Women in the World: The Implications of Place, Space, and Time" by Kate Seaman and Hoda Mahmoudi. This chapter delves into the complexities of gender within the contexts of place, space, and time, emphasizing the need to challenge existing boundaries and subverting societal expectations to empower women and highlight their full potential.
The authors address the persistent struggle of women to navigate spaces and institutions that are inherently male-defined, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for gender equality. They highlight the concept of agency and how socially constructed norms, such as gender roles, can limit women's ability to fully exercise their agency.
https://www.routledge.com/Women-and-Inequality-in-a-Changing-World-Exploring-New-Paradigms-for-Peace/Mahmoudi-Parpart-Seaman/p/book/9781032250649
The examination of shifting perceptions of women in the world, particularly regarding place, space, and time, reveals a complex interplay of gender, power, and agency. Despite progress, patriarchal structures persist, shaping women's experiences and opportunities. The chapter aims to dissect these complexities by examining how gender interacts with power relations within the realms of place, space, and time.
Gendered divisions between the public and private spheres serve as a foundational aspect of women's societal roles, perpetuating inequalities by confining women to the private sphere and restricting their influence on politics, economics, and law. The association of rationality and objectivity with masculinity further reinforces these gendered divisions, contributing to the marginalization of women in various spheres of life.
Central to the discussion is the concept of agency. Women's agency is constrained by socially constructed norms and power structures, which limit their choices and actions. While women may strive for autonomy, the patriarchal system often obscures their agency, particularly in contexts such as consent, where power differentials remain entrenched.
By examining the interplay between place, space, and time, the authors shed light on the multifaceted ways in which women navigate societal expectations and strive for empowerment.
Place, Creation, Growth: The authors examine the concept of place as it relates to women's experiences within patriarchal systems, examining how place influences daily lives, shapes self-perception, and impacts agency. By highlighting the intricate connection between space, place, and gender relations, they stress the importance of understanding women's positionality within social networks and how it influences their ability to define and pursue their goals.
Space, Reclaiming, Unrestricting: This section focuses on women reclaiming space and the need to liberate environments from restrictions. The authors discuss the challenges women face in navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces and emphasize breaking down barriers to full participation and agency. Through reclaiming space and challenging restrictive norms, women can assert their presence and contribute to reshaping societal structures.
Time, Control, Context: The authors explore the concept of time within the context of power dynamics and social structures, discussing how mobility and sense of space are influenced by time-space compression, especially in the era of globalization. By examining how different social structures impact individuals' control over their mobility and communication, the authors highlight the need to recognize and address the gendered implications of these processes. Additionally, they advocate for a multilinear and multidimensional understanding of time to acknowledge the diverse experiences and histories that shape women's agency over time.
By examining complexities and intersections of gender, power, and agency within frameworks of place, space, and time, it offers insights into challenges women face and possibilities for transformative change. It calls for a collective effort to break down existing boundaries, redefine expectations, and create a more inclusive and empowering environment for women worldwide.
About the Author:
Eden is a Graduate Assistant with the Baha’i Chair for World Peace. She is attending the University of Maryland and pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Her interests are in health disparities and policy.
