Gender-focused research practice and tools for social change addressing sexism and homophobia

¶ … Practice

Consider how research and/or practices that are focused on gender issues might be effectively and creatively employed as tools of social change in the service of sexism or homophobia. Also describe ethical implications related to the action purpose.

Throughout the decades, sexism has been a major challenge for women to overcome. Part of the reason for this, is because of various barriers that have been in place to limit any kind opportunities or social advancements for them. This is problematic, because these kinds of restrictions have made it difficult for women to deal with these issues. While at the same time, being able to: move forward and live independent lives. To address these challenges many different practices have been implemented that are designed to tackle the problem head on. To fully understand the effect of these efforts requires: examining the how these kinds of programs are influencing these views and the long-term impact that it is having on society at large. Once this occurs, it will provide the greatest insights as to how different practices that are focused on gender issues have been transforming the debate.

Today sexism is continuing to be a major issue that is having a dramatic impact on women in society. This is because a number of institutions and media outlets are continuing to depict women in an unfavorable light. Where, they are seen as nothing more than sex objects that are influenced by the actions of males. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than an editorial that was published in Surgery News written by Dr. Lazzar Greenfield (the President of the American College of Surgeons). In it he cites a study that was conducted where women were less depressed when they were exposed to male sperm vs. those who were not. Where, he believed that this addressed a biological imbalance in this group of individuals that needed men in order to have a fulfilling and happy life. At which point, many different female colleagues responded to these allegations as sexist and derogatory of all women in general. ("Forget Chocolate on Valentine's Day," 2011) This is significant, because it is showing how these kinds of views are used by: many male dominated institutions to highlight the frailty of women. Yet, despite the fact that: these kinds of studies have never been corroborated and are based on blanket generalizations that are simply untrue.