Gender and society

• What is the title of JP2's argument regarding the dignity of women?

  Mulieris Dignitatem
• What is the main argument of JP2 in Mulieris Dignitatem?

  That the church is not sexist and that motherhood is a woman's telos.
• According to JP2, what is needed for a woman's psychological development?

  Motherhood, as it fosters compassion and self-giving.
• How does JP2 argue that men and women are suited for different roles?

  He claims it is due to God's design, as reflected in Genesis.
• What does Simone De Beauvoir argue about telos?


  She argues that telos does not exist and that individuals create their own purpose.
• What critique does Beauvoir make regarding the idea of gender roles being innate?

  She suggests that gender roles are socially constructed rather than biologically determined.
• What does Beauvoir say about the upbringing of boys and girls?

  Girls are raised to be obsessed with marriage, while boys are raised to focus on their careers.
• What is Mary Daly's critique of the Church's veneration of Mary?

  She argues that it promotes the idea that women should be submissive and accept being the sexual property of men.
• What does Ann Oakley argue about the maternal instinct?

  She argues that it is created by cultural conditioning rather than being biological.
• How does Oakley support her argument about maternal instinct?

  She points out that women who neglect their children often come from neglectful backgrounds themselves.
• What is a counterargument to Oakley's findings regarding maternal instinct?

  It could be that childhood neglect creates traumas that interfere with the maternal instinct.
• What does Stephen Pinker argue regarding gender differences?

  He suggests that there could be a biological basis for gender differences, particularly related to testosterone levels.
• What are the main arguments presented in JP2's Mulieris Dignitatem regarding gender roles?

  • Motherhood is a woman's telos.
  • Men and women are different but equal.
  • Gender roles are natural and designed by God.
  • The Church respects and canonizes women like Mary.
• What are the critiques of JP2's arguments regarding gender roles?

  • Feminists argue that gender roles are socially constructed.
  • Mary Daly critiques the Church's veneration of Mary as promoting submissiveness.
  • Ann Oakley argues that maternal instinct is culturally conditioned.
  • Radical feminists claim that motherhood can be seen as internalized misogyny.
• What are the contrasting views on motherhood presented in the study material?

  • JP2 views motherhood as a natural and essential role.
  • Beauvoir and Oakley argue that motherhood can be a societal imposition.
  • O'Brien defends motherhood as a positive choice if made freely.
  • Radical feminists criticize motherhood as a product of patriarchal conditioning.