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Chapter 9 Who Owns Her Body? 1. Which of the following statements is false? a. Women are beaten less often if they have some economic independence. b. Worldwide, the supposedly worst crimes women commit are insubordination and disobedience. c. The United States has the lowest rate of men abusing women of all industrialized countries. d. Older women are generally less likely to be mistreated than are younger women. Answer: C Rationale: The statement "c. The United States has the lowest rate of men abusing women of all industrialized countries" is false. The United States actually faces significant issues with domestic violence, and its rate of men abusing women is not the lowest among industrialized countries. 2. Explanations offered for violence against women include which of the following? a. neurology, chemistry, physiology—the workings of the human brain b. social conditions such as poverty or unemployment c. the unequal power relations between men and women d. all of the above Answer: D Rationale: All of the options listed—neurology, chemistry, physiology, social conditions like poverty or unemployment, and unequal power relations between men and women—are commonly cited explanations for violence against women, indicating that all options are correct. 3. All of the following are major scholarly explanations for gendered violence except: __________ a. Violence is caused by social problems like poverty and substance abuse. b. Certain cultures are naturally more violent than others. c. Brain chemistry can produce violent behavior. d. Male-female power relations often lead to violence between groups and individuals. Answer: B Rationale: Option B, "Certain cultures are naturally more violent than others," is not a major scholarly explanation for gendered violence. Violence is understood to be shaped by various social, economic, and psychological factors rather than inherent to specific cultures. 4. Which of the following statements about prostitution is true? a. It is a multibillion dollar industry of major proportions in many countries. b. It is a type of gendered work because only women are involved in it. c. It is the opposite of the marriage relationship. d. It can be eliminated through legislation. Answer: A Rationale: Option A is true. Prostitution is indeed a multibillion dollar industry in many countries, making it a significant economic sector globally. 5. What of the following makes women the most vulnerable to battering and beating? a. poverty b. social isolation c. sexual activity d. having a job “outside the home” Answer: B Rationale: Social isolation makes women the most vulnerable to battering and beating, as it limits their access to support networks and resources that could help them escape abusive situations. 6. Around the world, women’s bodies are controlled _________. a. more than men’s are b. by authorities and family members c. through ideology, violence, and economics d. all of the above Answer: D Rationale: All options are correct. Women's bodies are often controlled more than men's, by various entities including authorities, family members, and through a combination of ideology, violence, and economic factors. 7. Wives retaliate against or protest the abuse by husbands by all of the following except _________. a. refusing sanctuary b. ignoring or disrespecting their husbands c. using curses or poison to harm their spouses d. committing suicide Answer: A Rationale: Refusing sanctuary is not a typical way wives retaliate against or protest abuse by husbands. Options B, C, and D are more commonly observed responses in abusive situations. 8. Husband beating and wife beating are not symmetrical. According to Daniel Levinson, husband beating occurs in about 27% of cultures, while _____ of cultures tolerate wife abuse. a. 10% b. 42% c. 66% d. 85% Answer: D Rationale: Daniel Levinson's research suggests that husband beating occurs in about 27% of cultures, while wife abuse is tolerated in approximately 85% of cultures, indicating a significant disparity in societal acceptance of abuse based on gender. 9. Which of the following statements about sexual tourism is true? a. Contemporary governments discourage the commercial practice of sex. b. Women who serve sexual tourists are the reason for the increase in global AIDS cases. c. The United States supports and supervises institutionalized prostitution for military men abroad. d. Their families shun Thai prostitutes for earning money with sex. Answer: C Rationale: Option C is true. The United States has been known to support and supervise institutionalized prostitution for military personnel stationed abroad, particularly in areas where U.S. military bases are located. 10. The case study of rape on a college campus demonstrates ________. a. that fraternity brothers who rape are rarely prosecuted for their actions b. that women are safer on college campuses than they are in inner-city slums c. that women raped at fraternity functions are treated with compassion by other fraternity members d. that universities enforce strict laws and policies against rapes on campus Answer: A Rationale: The case study of rape on a college campus demonstrates that fraternity brothers who rape are rarely prosecuted for their actions, highlighting systemic issues with accountability and justice within university settings. 11. Why do couples in India, China, and Pakistan have more sons than daughters? a. because the diet in these countries leads to an imbalance in the sex ratio b. because girls are not necessary for the survival of humankind c. because the practices of infanticide and selective abortion specifically endanger girls d. because national laws favor boys over girls Answer: C Rationale: In countries like India, China, and Pakistan, the preference for sons over daughters has led to practices such as infanticide and selective abortion targeting female fetuses, resulting in a skewed sex ratio. This phenomenon contributes to the prevalence of more sons than daughters in these societies. 12. Female genital cutting is dangerous because ________. a. it is associated with militant religious groups b. the anesthesia provided may cause heart failure c. complications in urination, menstruation, and childbirth may result d. angry cultural relativists use violence to try to stop the procedures from happening Answer: C Rationale: Female genital cutting, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), can result in various physical and psychological complications, including difficulties in urination, menstruation, and childbirth. These health risks make the practice dangerous and harmful to women's wellbeing. 13. Which of the following statements about clitoridectomy is correct? a. It refers to the removal of a woman’s clitoris. b. It is illegal in the United States. c. It reduces the possibility of pregnancy. d. It eliminates the possibility of orgasms. Answer: A Rationale: Clitoridectomy involves the removal of a woman's clitoris, making option A correct. This procedure is associated with various cultural practices and is considered a form of female genital mutilation. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as clitoridectomy is not necessarily illegal in all parts of the United States, nor does it directly affect the possibility of pregnancy or eliminate the possibility of orgasms. 14. Which of the following statements is NOT true? a. Rural Chinese culture dictates only males carry on the family name. b. Daughters seem very expensive, especially to the poor, in Indian culture. c. Amniocentesis and in-utero sex identification help Pakistani girls survive and thrive. d. As family size decreases, the urgency to produce a son increases. Answer: C Rationale: Option C is not true. Amniocentesis and in-utero sex identification technologies in countries like India have actually been used to selectively abort female fetuses, contributing to genderbased discrimination and a preference for sons over daughters. Options A, B, and D reflect cultural beliefs and practices regarding gender and family dynamics in various societies. 15. In parts of Europe and the United States during the nineteenth and twentieth century, clitoridectomy was a remedy for all of the following except ________. a. hysteria b. excessive masturbation c. painful childbirth d. nymphomania Answer: C Rationale: Clitoridectomy, or female circumcision, was considered a remedy for conditions such as hysteria, excessive masturbation, and nymphomania in some parts of Europe and the United States during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. However, it was not used as a remedy for painful childbirth. Option C is correct because clitoridectomy was not believed to alleviate pain during childbirth. 16. Cross-culturally, a sanction __________. a. may be positive or negative and either support or condemn a given action b. is a place where women seek safety and shelter c. is the legal punishment for wife beating d. all of the above Answer: A Rationale: A sanction can take various forms and can be either positive or negative, serving to either support or condemn a particular action or behavior. This includes legal penalties, social consequences, or cultural norms that influence behavior across different societies. 17. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, an honor killing can proceed on the basis of ________. a. a woman engaging in an extramarital affair b. accusations that a woman was flirting c. having been raped d. all of the above Answer: D Rationale: Honor killings in Pakistan and Bangladesh can occur based on various reasons, including a woman engaging in an extramarital affair, accusations of flirting, or having been raped. These killings are often carried out to restore perceived family honor, reflecting deeply ingrained cultural norms and gender-based violence. 18. What would a critical cultural relativist argue? a. Her/his perspective is most ethical. b. Avoidance of harm and relative power relationships are key subjects to study. c. Power is less important than politics. d. Absolute cultural relativism is the only fair perspective to take in discussing other cultures. Answer: B Rationale: A critical cultural relativist would argue that the study of cultural practices should focus on understanding the avoidance of harm and the examination of relative power relationships within cultural contexts. This perspective acknowledges the importance of considering cultural differences while also recognizing the need to address issues of harm and power dynamics. 19. Domestic or intimate partner violence is _________. a. asymmetrical—more men abuse woman than vice versa b. symmetrical—men and women abuse their spouses about equally c. only a myth perpetrated by feminists d. a predictable outcome of getting married Answer: A Rationale: Domestic or intimate partner violence is often asymmetrical, with more instances of men abusing women than vice versa. This pattern reflects broader gender inequalities and power imbalances within relationships and society. Options B, C, and D do not accurately represent the prevalence and dynamics of domestic violence. 20. Women are less likely to be abused when they ___________. a. are economically dependent on their husbands b. live patrilocally c. make a substantial economic contribution to the household d. live in a gender-segregated society Answer: C Rationale: Women are less likely to be abused when they make a substantial economic contribution to the household. Economic independence can empower women to leave abusive relationships and seek support, reducing their vulnerability to intimate partner violence. Options A, B, and D do not necessarily correlate with lower rates of abuse. ESSAY QUESTIONS 1. What cultural conditions exist that commonly contribute to women being maltreated? Use examples from at least three cultures covered in this chapter. Answer: In various cultures, several cultural conditions contribute to the maltreatment of women. One such condition is the perpetuation of patriarchal norms and gender roles, which often lead to the subjugation of women. For example, in some parts of India, particularly rural areas, patriarchal norms dictate that women should be subordinate to men, leading to practices such as child marriage, dowry-related violence, and honor killings. Another cultural condition is the normalization of gender-based violence, which is prevalent in many societies. For instance, in parts of the Middle East, the concept of "honor" is used to justify violence against women who are perceived to have brought shame to their families, such as through perceived immodest behavior or relationships outside of marriage. Moreover, religious interpretations and cultural traditions can also contribute to the maltreatment of women. In conservative Islamic societies, interpretations of Sharia law may result in restrictions on women's rights and freedoms, such as limitations on education and employment opportunities, as well as justification for practices like female genital mutilation (FGM). The maltreatment of women across cultures can be attributed to various cultural conditions, including patriarchal norms, the normalization of gender-based violence, and religious interpretations. These conditions perpetuate inequalities and injustices, leading to the subjugation and mistreatment of women in different contexts. 2. Comment on the gendered, economic, and international power dynamics that exist in the sexual tourism industry. Who faces the greater burden of these power asymmetries? Answer: The sexual tourism industry is characterized by significant gendered, economic, and international power dynamics. Firstly, gendered power dynamics are evident in the industry's exploitation of predominantly women and children for sexual purposes, reflecting broader patterns of gender inequality and objectification. Women and children from marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable to exploitation due to economic hardships, lack of opportunities, and coercive tactics employed by traffickers and exploiters. Economically, the industry thrives on the exploitation of vulnerable individuals who often lack economic agency and are forced into precarious and exploitative work conditions. Poverty, lack of education, and limited employment opportunities contribute to the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women and children, who are drawn into the industry as a means of survival. Internationally, power differentials between countries play a significant role, with wealthier nations often serving as the primary source of demand for sexual tourism. This demand fuels the exploitation of individuals in economically disadvantaged countries, where regulatory frameworks may be weak, and law enforcement may be inadequate to address the issue effectively. Overall, it is the marginalized and economically vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, who face the greatest burden of these power asymmetries within the sexual tourism industry. They are disproportionately affected by exploitation, violence, and lack of legal protection, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. The sexual tourism industry operates within a complex framework of gendered, economic, and international power dynamics, which systematically exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children, for financial gain. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing the root causes of exploitation and implementing effective interventions to combat sexual tourism. 3. Select three types of gendered violence that occur during women’s lifetimes. Describe each of these phases and the risks women face in particular phases of the life course. Then, use your own experience (from your own life or that of someone you know) to provide an example of the risks in one of these phases. Answer: a) Domestic Violence: Domestic violence occurs within intimate relationships and often involves physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Women in abusive relationships face the risk of physical harm, psychological trauma, and social isolation. For example, a woman may experience domestic violence during her marriage, enduring years of abuse before seeking help due to fear or dependence on her partner. b) Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment encompasses unwanted sexual advances, comments, or behaviors in the workplace, educational settings, or public spaces. Women of all ages face the risk of sexual harassment, which can impact their sense of safety, selfesteem, and professional opportunities. For instance, a young woman starting her career may encounter sexual harassment from her male colleagues or superiors, leading to discomfort and difficulty advancing in her profession. c) Trafficking and Exploitation: Trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, or exploitation of individuals for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of exploitation. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by trafficking, facing the risk of abduction, coercion, and exploitation in various industries, including the sex trade and domestic servitude. For example, a teenage girl from a disadvantaged background may fall victim to trafficking, lured by promises of employment or education, only to be trafficked into the sex trade and subjected to exploitation and abuse. Gendered violence manifests in various forms throughout women's lives, exposing them to risks of harm, trauma, and exploitation. Understanding these phases and risks is essential for developing comprehensive interventions to prevent and address gender-based violence. 4. The United Nations has declared that gender inequality leads to “excess mortality” for girls in half of the world. Referring to examples from your text, discuss reasons why, in many societies, girls die more often than boys. Answer: In many societies, gender inequality contributes to "excess mortality" for girls, leading to higher rates of mortality compared to boys. One reason for this disparity is the prevalence of discriminatory practices that prioritize the health and well-being of boys over girls. For example, in some cultures, limited access to healthcare services and resources may result in inadequate medical care for girls, leading to higher mortality rates from preventable diseases and complications during childbirth. Furthermore, cultural preferences for sons can influence healthcare-seeking behaviors and investment in girls' health. For instance, in patriarchal societies where sons are valued for their perceived economic and social contributions, families may prioritize healthcare expenditures for male children, neglecting the health needs of female children. Gender disparities in nutrition also contribute to excess mortality for girls, particularly in regions where resources are scarce. Girls may receive less food and nutrition compared to boys, leading to higher rates of malnutrition and susceptibility to infectious diseases. Additionally, cultural norms and practices, such as early marriage and childbirth, can further exacerbate health risks for girls, leading to higher mortality rates during adolescence and childbirth. Overall, gender inequality perpetuates systemic barriers to girls' health and well-being, resulting in higher rates of mortality across various stages of life. Addressing these inequalities requires comprehensive strategies that prioritize gender equity in healthcare access, nutrition, and social norms. Gender inequality contributes to disparities in health outcomes between boys and girls, leading to higher mortality rates for girls in many societies. Understanding the root causes of these disparities is essential for developing effective interventions to promote gender equity and improve health outcomes for all children. 5. Your text asks the question, “Are all customs neutral or justifiable because some culture or another does them?” Thoughtfully exploring ideas and examples from the chapter, discuss your personal position on cultural relativism. Answer: Cultural relativism posits that all cultural practices should be understood within the context of their respective cultures, without imposing external judgments or values. While cultural relativism acknowledges the diversity of human cultures and the importance of respecting cultural differences, it also raises questions about the universality of human rights and ethical standards. In my personal view, cultural relativism offers valuable insights into the complexities of cultural diversity and the importance of cultural sensitivity. However, it is. Test Bank for A World Full of Women Martha C. Ward, Monica D. Edelstein 9780205957620
