AP/ANTH 3230 6.00 Women, Culture and Society

This course explores the contribution of anthropology to the study of gender and of feminism. We begin by examining early feminist critiques of anthropology and the development of debates concerning the “Anthropology of Women” regarding theories of universal asymmetry, the dichotomies of nature versus culture and domestic versus public spaces. Approaching gender and sexuality as cultural constructions rather than natural categories, we will look at cross-cultural examples and recent feminist theory in anthropology to explore the intersections of gender and sexuality with culture, religion, race, class, nation and globalization. Topics range from gender and health, midwifery and childbirth, beauty and aging, work and globalization, marriage and family and women’s activism. In the later section of the course, we will engage with current directions in feminist anthropology, such as decolonizing research methodologies, collaborations, community work, and social activism. 

Course Director: L. Mannik - lmannik@yorku.ca