"The Human Sexes" by Desmond Morris - episode 6: The Gender Wars (FULL)

Per Christian Frankplads・2 minutes read

Urban environments strain family relationships, leading to high rates of wife battering, as police worldwide acknowledge the trend of men redirecting aggression towards their wives. From primitive tribal societies to modern times, the shift from mother goddess worship to male-dominated societies has perpetuated gender inequalities, with women facing challenges like female circumcision, metal chastity belts, and traditional wedding customs symbolizing male possession.

Insights

  • Stress and competition in urban environments can strain family relationships, leading to prevalent issues like wife battering, as stressed men may redirect aggression towards their partners, a trend recognized by police forces globally.
  • The transition from ancient worship of mother goddesses to a focus on male deities altered gender dynamics, leading to the subordination of women in society, with historical practices like female circumcision and the confinement of wives and concubines reflecting deep-seated control over women's sexuality and freedom.

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Recent questions

  • How did the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to farming impact social dynamics?

    The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to farming altered social dynamics by leading to the worship of a mother goddess. This shift symbolized a change in gender dynamics, as ancient temples like the one in Malta represented the fertility and nurturing aspects associated with the mother goddess. As societies moved towards agriculture, the worship of female deities reflected a time when women held significant roles in society. However, the rise of masculine power, paralleled by the development of firearms, led to the decline of female deity reverence and the subordination of women in society.

  • What historical practices aimed to control women's sexuality?

    Throughout history, various practices aimed to control women's sexuality. Female circumcision, a brutal practice affecting over 100 million women globally, sought to reduce sexual pleasure in women to prevent infidelity. Additionally, metal chastity belts were historically used to physically prevent women from being unfaithful, with some examples still made today for amusement rather than control. These practices highlight the historical subjugation of women and the efforts to restrict their sexual autonomy.

  • How did the feminist movement challenge traditional gender roles?

    The feminist movement challenged traditional gender roles by advocating for equality and empowerment for women. Suffragettes fought for political equality, while later waves of feminism focused on job opportunities and sexual freedom. Some women embraced lesbianism and rejected traditional male roles, leading to divisions within the movement regarding economic and erotic equality. Overall, the feminist movement aimed to dismantle male dominance and create a more equitable society for women.

  • What are some examples of modern women breaking traditional gender roles?

    Modern women have been breaking traditional gender roles in various fields. For instance, Helen Tempest, a wing walker in England, symbolizes female freedom through daring aerial performances. Female Japanese wrestlers showcase a more aggressive form of liberation by matching the brutality of their male counterparts. Female firefighters in California are parachuted into bush fires, risking their lives for the environment and people, signaling a shift in traditional gender roles and the slow dismantling of male supremacy in different fields. These examples demonstrate the ongoing progress towards gender equality and the breaking of societal norms.

  • How have traditional wedding customs symbolized male possession of women?

    Traditional wedding customs have often symbolized male possession of women. Practices like the bride being given away by her father and the placement of the wedding ring have historically reinforced the idea of women as possessions of men. The honeymoon tradition, involving a month-long period to ensure paternity, highlights historical male control over female fertility. These customs reflect a long-standing societal norm of male dominance and ownership over women, which has been challenged by movements advocating for gender equality and empowerment.

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Summary

00:00

"Urban stress impacts family dynamics and gender roles"

  • Urban environments can be harsh on family relationships due to stress and competition.
  • Wife battering is a prevalent issue in big cities, with millions of cases reported annually.
  • Police forces worldwide are aware of the trend of stressed men redirecting aggression towards their wives.
  • Primitive tribal societies, like the Barker pygmies, showcased harmonious relationships between men and women.
  • Transition from hunter-gatherer societies to farming altered social dynamics and led to the worship of a mother goddess.
  • Ancient temples, like the one in Malta, symbolized the fertility and nurturing aspects of the mother goddess.
  • The worship of the Virgin Mary in Catholic countries reflects a continuation of ancient mother goddess worship.
  • Religious authorities aimed to shift focus to a central male figure, leading to the decline of female deity reverence.
  • The rise of masculine power paralleled the development of firearms and the enforcement of male domination.
  • The shift from the mother goddess to a male God altered gender dynamics, leading to the subordination of women in society.

23:20

"History of Female Subjugation and Empowerment"

  • The palace with 953 windows was designed to accommodate the many wives and concubines of the ruler, who were confined indoors to prevent social interactions.
  • Female virginity has historically been crucial due to the inherent sexual inequality between men and women regarding certainty of parentage.
  • Female circumcision, a brutal practice, aims to reduce sexual pleasure in women to prevent infidelity, with over 100 million women affected globally.
  • Metal chastity belts were used historically to physically prevent women from being unfaithful, with examples still made today for amusement rather than control.
  • A rape victim regained confidence by wearing a chastity belt, turning a symbol of subjugation into a tool for personal freedom.
  • Traditional wedding customs, like the bride being given away by her father and the placement of the wedding ring, symbolize male possession of women.
  • The honeymoon tradition, involving a month-long period to ensure paternity, highlights historical male control over female fertility.
  • The feminist movement challenged male dominance, with suffragettes fighting for political equality and later waves focusing on job opportunities and sexual freedom.
  • Some women embraced lesbianism and rejected traditional male roles, leading to divisions within the feminist movement regarding economic and erotic equality.
  • Modern women have entered the workforce to demonstrate equality with men but face challenges balancing maternal urges with career ambitions.

42:32

Female Daredevils Defy Gender Norms and Stereotypes

  • Helen Tempest is a wing walker in England, symbolizing female freedom through her daring aerial performances, while female Japanese wrestlers showcase a more aggressive form of liberation by matching the brutality of their male counterparts.
  • Female firefighters in California are parachuted into bush fires, highlighting a more serious challenge where women risk their lives for the environment and people, signaling a shift in traditional gender roles and the slow dismantling of male supremacy in various fields.
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