Ethics # 9

Different Gender, Different Ethics?

 Gender and Language  Gender-specific language to gender-neutral language.

 Does cultural and social equality exist?  Not completely, but we’re trying.

 Does biological equality exist?  Physically?

 Intellectually?

 Danger in using biological equality as basis for gender equality?

 In favor:  Natural progression toward gender equality

 Qualified women can be as effective as men.

 Unfair to exclude those who want to serve.

 Maintains glass ceiling (toward advancement, awards).

 Opposed:  Women aren’t qualified, especially physically.

 Men naturally wish to protect.

 Danger of rape in POW situations

 Uncivilized.

 Domestic contributions not valued.

 Some believe keeping women outside the public sphere “protects” them.

 Initial concerns:  Education

 Gaining right to vote

 Prove that women have capacity to reason

 Consider women “persons” first and gendered second.

 Biological differences only important for procreation.

 Women and men possess different qualities, and each can learn from the other.

 Men and women have different capabilities and different desires.

 Attempts to seek out the root of gender inequality.

 Answer is generally that we exist in patriarchal society: women adopt men’s names, as do the children. Men’s careers are seen as more important. Gender roles are enforced by toys, etc.

 Battle for equality has been won, and women can adopt any gender roles they want.