1. SOSC 200Y Gender and Society Lecture 7: Femininity and media

2. L7: 27.09.06 Femininity AppearanceConduct : The three obediences –To the father when young –To the husband when married –To the son when widowed The four Virtues –Behave according to the ethical codes –Don’t talk too much –Clean in person and adorn herself with a view to pleasing the opposite sex –Good housekeeper

3. L7: 27.09.06 Masculinity AppearanceConduct Proper conducts for men –Love the country, loyal to the emperor –Be a kind father or a filial son –Be a friendly elder brother or a respectful younger brother The three cardinal virtues –Wisdom –Benevolence –Courage

4. L7: 27.09.06 Ideas about Femininity and Masculinity in modern day HK Women are capable of and suitable for looking after children. In divorce, usually it would be better for young children to live with the father. Married daughters should be responsible for their parents’ daily living. Views from our secondary school students: Are they traditional or untraditional?

5. L7: 27.09.06 It would be good to have a partner who can support me financially after marriage. If my spouse can earn enough money to support the family, I will prefer not to work. If I have children, I will stay home to take care of them. The old saying of “men being head of external affairs and women head of internal affairs” is still true.

6. L7: 27.09.06 Women should consider having less ambitious career goals in view of the need to care for their family members. Women are better than men in taking up leadership position. It’s OK for girls to take initiative in courtship and dating.

7. L7: 27.09.06 Media and Gender Relations Cultural Images -> Gender relations –Sex objects? –Housekeeper? –Beautiful girl?

8. L7: 27.09.06 Gender Relations Role of media: –Selling feminine –Sending ideology and dominant gender relations –The production and reception of signs: Male in Control Representation or Distortion?

9. L7: 27.09.06 Suggested Readings: Walters, S. D. (1995) Material Girls: Making Sense of Feminist Cultural Theory. California: University of California Press, ch.1