HUMN 303 Annotated Bibliography

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Chamberlain University

HUMN-303: Introduction to the Humanities

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Date

Annotated Bibliography

Historical Context of Women’s Rights

Women have struggled through significant hardships to attain their rights since the 19th century. Their fight for equality has spanned generations, with a historical lack of control over their reproductive health and limited opportunities to express their desires. The term “women’s rights” refers to “rights that promote a position of legal and social equality of women with men” (Google). Women have demonstrated their right to equal treatment and opportunities in the workplace.

According to Howard-Hassmann (2011), the women’s rights movement underwent a substantial transformation in the late 19th century, advancing the cause of women’s equality. This movement enhanced women’s autonomy in both familial and public spheres, expanding educational and economic opportunities. This increase in agency allowed women to navigate their diverse identities, roles, and obligations (p. 436). Some critics have questioned whether human rights are inherently gendered, suggesting that traditional human rights often reflect male experiences, thus marginalizing women’s roles as active agents in society (p. 439).

Evolution of Women’s Roles in Society

In the early 19th century, societal expectations relegated women primarily to child-rearing and domestic responsibilities. Men feared the shifting social roles of women and resisted granting them rights. Abrams (2015) examines whether the abortion debate stems from moral concerns or reflects deeper issues of gender relations (p. 179). Women seeking abortions were often labeled “bad mothers” as a means to impose guilt and control (p. 180). This perception reinforced stereotypes that portrayed women as too emotional and incapable of making rational decisions regarding their health (p. 185).

The modern women’s rights movement in the United States emerged in the 1960s as a reaction to longstanding social inequities. Loveday (2009) outlines the movement’s significant milestones, including the rise of feminism during World War II, the publication of The Feminine Mystique, and the establishment of the National Organization for Women (NOW). Despite significant progress, challenges persist in achieving true equality. For instance, after World War II, many women were displaced from their jobs, which were reassigned to returning servicemen, demonstrating the prevailing belief that women’s contributions were temporary and secondary (Loveday, 2009, p. 1).

Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities

Zuzana and Pavel (2013) highlight the educational achievements of women, noting that in many wealthy countries, girls outperform boys academically and earn more university degrees. They play a crucial role in economic decision-making and contribute significantly to the workforce (p. 27). However, disparities in management roles persist, with slow advancement for women in senior positions being viewed as a waste of talent (p. 28).

Haghighat (2013) emphasizes that the challenges faced by women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) cannot be solely attributed to Islam. Instead, Islam is often utilized by those in power to justify the limitation of women’s rights and resources. A nuanced understanding of demographic, economic, and political factors is necessary to fully grasp the complexities of women’s empowerment in this region. Empowerment occurs when women can express their needs and interests without external imposition (p. 247).

References

Abrams, P. (2015). The bad mother: Stigma, abortion and surrogacy. The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 43(2), 179-191. https://doi.org/10.1111/jlme.12231
Haghighat, E. (2013). Social status and change: The question of access to resources and women’s empowerment in the Middle East and North Africa. Journal of International Women’s Studies, 14(1), 273-299. Retrieved from http://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol14/iss1/17
Howard-Hassmann, R. E. (2011). Universal women’s rights since 1970: The centrality of autonomy and agency. Journal of Human Rights, 10(4), 433-449. https://doi.org/10.1080/14754835.2011.619398
Loveday, V. (2009). Feminism & the women’s rights movement. Feminism & the Women’s Rights Movement, 1.
Zuzana, D., & Pavel, S. (2013). The potential of women and the 21st century. Research Journal of Economics, Business and ICT, (1).