Gender is a social construct as is race. Thus, the construct attaches meaning based on the physical attributes of the human body. Much is the same way as sex, where it is suggested “is as much a fiction as gender” (Shepherd, 2015, p. 33). Gender presents a boundary in which individuals can act. Not every individual fits into the stipulated categories of gender. Gender-focused scholars of global politics are enmeshed in understanding these contested terrains because they feel that every culture has its own beliefs for relationships and how they are depicted in different societies. These scholars utilize their vast knowledge to create a vivid portrait of the global society to have a better understanding of the cultures around the world. They also inform us regarding these cultures to better assist in viewing our perspectives and to differentiate the gendered rights within a complex global world.
This week we will explore examples of how gender constructs are viewed by three distinct global communities:
In Juchitán, Mexico, muxes – children identified as male at birth, but who choose at a young age to be raised as female – are embraced as part of the community. Being muxe is often confused with being transgender, but it is an identity specific to the Oaxaca region and the indigenous Zapoteca culture. Having a muxe person in the family has come to be seen as good luck and even a blessing. ….But life outside Juchitán is not always easy.
North America -The documentary offers a unique perspective on gender and sexuality, one that is anchored in traditions that were once widespread among the indigenous cultures of North America. The film explores the history of Native two-spirit people — who combine the traits of both men and women with qualities that are also unique to individuals who express multiple genders.
The United States “Two-spirit” is how some Native Americans describe people whose gender identity doesn’t fit as strictly male or female. Meet gender identity back from the negative connotations established during colonization. Meet Elder Ma Nee Chacaby who talks about Two-Spirit identities and the challenges that she encountered from childhood through her adult life in claiming her identity and culture.
Canada where Two-Spirit communities are reclaiming their rightful place on the frontlines of land defense despite colonization’s efforts to eradicate them.
Support your claims and arguments in a 425-word Discussion providing examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources. Properly cite per APA all references include per APA your Reference list.
Questions for discussion-weave together in a narrative or essay format responses that reflect how this new knowledge impacts your thoughts and perspectives what are your own personal viewpoints and take-aways.
Assignment:
1. In reading the article by Fabina (2021), Identify and describe the similarities of each of the 10 cultures that have accepted non-binary gender identities.
2. Reflecting on your combined knowledge, understanding, and analysis after previewing the three documentaries, what arguments can you offer that would explain whether there are significant differences between sex and gender?
3. Is it helpful to imagine the possibility of a ‘third gender’? Explain why or why not?
4. Explain what it means to understand gender as a noun, a verb, and a logic.
5. Why should the study of global politics attend to the practices of bodies? In other words, why is ‘gender’ a useful category of analysis?
6. What would you consider are some of the resistances to the idea that gender matters in global politics?
De Zaragoza, J. (2017). Muxes-Mexico’s third gender.Retrieved November 20, 2021. From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiek6JxYJLs&ab_channel=TheGuardian
OurStories eTextbook (2018). Ma-Nee Chacaby talks about Two-Spirit identities.
Retrieved (n.d.) From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juzpocOX5ik
Vice News. (2021). Two-Spirit people are reclaiming their land and their identity. Retrieved (n.d.).From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlDDOcDE7Ag&ab_channel=VICENews
Fabiana, A. (2021). 10 cultures that have accepted non-binary gender identities for centuries. Retrieved April 10, 2021. From https://screenshot-media.com/politics/lgbtqi-rights/non-binary-cultures.
