Introduction
A body is a material human organism that has a close and complex connection with gender. In modern society, it is customary to separate women and men, in a relationship with which feminist communities began to be actively formed. People are used to talking about sex and gender in different ways.
Discussion
Therefore, they talk about women and imply that they should have beautiful, slim bodies and be ready for the birth of a child. Men must be strong and have an excellent physique to achieve success in work. Concerning women, a beautiful picture should always be formed, and men are expected to be able to provide for a family. The problem is that women are often subjected to the stereotypical view that men are more efficient and are much more likely to achieve business success. Men’s achievements are considered a reference, and it is for such successes that women should strive for (Grosz, n.d.). Gender plays a significant role as well as the body since it is the female body that is considered adapted to childbirth and the male body to work.
The body and gender are inextricably linked through the fact that gender refers to the body and how people use it. This was the main reason for the formation of a society of feminists who fought for gender equality. According to Grosz (n.d.), equality can be achieved because women will minimize their needs and interests, that is, they will give up motherhood. Equality can be accepted in families, but this equality cannot be recognized at the level of sexual relations since the peculiarity of the female body is conditioned by the need for reproduction. Nevertheless, despite this, women have the right to equality and exclusion of special attention to the so-called gender.
The problem is that women’s struggle for equality is in an uncertain position. To consider the female sex equal to the male, it is necessary to abandon the feminine essence. That is, the biological characteristics of the female body should not be taken into account, as well as female biologism, which predetermines care, empathy, and support (Grosz, n.d.). Furthermore, the concept of femininity will also have to be avoided because it is not peculiar to men. In the other case, it is necessary to accept gender differences and agree with the patriarchal way of society.
Conclusion
In addition to essentialism, biologism, and naturalism are often studied in the issues of gender, especially concerning women. Biologism emphasizes social and cultural factors that are based on the fact that the goal of women is reproduction and upbringing. This puts the female essence in a specific framework and limits them in their activities compared to men. Naturalism defines nature and also determines the particular purpose of the female body (Grosz, n.d.). Despite essentialism and its offshoots in the form of biologism and naturalism, feminists fight for equality because women have the same intelligence and abilities as men. Other data of both sexes are also almost similar, which demonstrates that both sexes have potential.
Reference
Grosz, E. (n.d.). Sexual difference and the problem of essentialism. Center for Cultural Studies.