The ‘nature’ and status of women
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20454989 |
|---|---|
| Authors | A Crump (corresponding author) |
| Year | 1987 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 22-29 |
| Publication date | 1987-02-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | South African Journal of Sociology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0258-0144 • E-ISSN: 1999-9135 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/02580144.1987.10520045 |
| OpenAlex | W2054358376 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 10 |
The position of women is rapidly altering due to technological advances and socio-cultural changes. Yet many of the old stereotyped conceptualizations of the ‘nature’ of women still abound. Previous research has placed emphasis on biological or psychological factors to explain the causes of sex discrimination, but recent writings are rejecting such views and laying stress on socio-cultural and economic factors. This article employs a historical perspective to prove that many of the long-held views on women and their place in society are primarily of socio-cultural and not biological origin. The article briefly traces the history of women from the matriarchal society, through Ancient society, the Middle Ages, the 19th century, to the varying roles that have been expected of Western women during this century. The homogeneity of the female condition is shown by a comparison of the histories of British, American, and South African women. Special attention is paid to the Black and Indian woman of this country, and to the Women’s Liberation movement in general. Sex stratification and its maintenance is addressed and socialization, myths, legends, and sanctions seen as tools in this process. The discussion rejects the view that biological factors are, in essence, responsible for the female status and poses the opinion that many tasks can be performed by both men and women and that men are as capable as women of undertaking tasks which are culturally considered in our society to be ‘women’s role’. The interdependence of psychological, biological, and social factors is addressed and myths about ‘women’s guile’ considered. Attention is paid to economic discrimination. The article argues strongly that socio-cultural and economic factors are the seminal influences affecting sex roles
Mythology · Political science · Sanctions · Social science · Socialization · Sociology · Demographic Trends and Gender Preferences · Environmental Science · Gender Studies · Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes · History · Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse · Law · Psychology
The sociology of social problems
Women, crime and criminology
The Sociology of Social Problems
A Survey of Race Relations in South Africa
The female offender
Violence at home
Economic Realities and the Female Offender
Carol Smart, Women, Crime and Criminology
A Survey of Race Relations in South Africa 1952–1953
| Highly cited | No |
|---|