Question

Over the years, scholars have taken rather divergent positions on the degree of influence particular categories of difference may have on the way a certain culture values or understands gender.

For example, some might say the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender is a powerful social cocktail that determines not only how we think about gender but also how we expect it to be expressed and represented in art and culture. Similarly, others contend the intersection of religion or belief systems and gender is the key to understanding how a culture views and treats women.

For the sake of practicality, we can simplify the scholarly perspectives into five positions:

Ethnicity provides the strongest point of intersection with how gender is understood and valued in culture.

Religion or belief system is the strongest intersecting factor with how gender is understood and valued in culture.

Social or economic class is the most powerful influence over how gender is understood and valued in culture.

A combination and interplay of cultural differences affect how gender is understood and valued in culture.

Other areas of cultural difference only minimally affect how gender is understood and valued in culture; gender itself is the strongest component of culture.

Based on the course material so far - and drawing from specific examples - explain which scholarly position you are most likely to agree with and why, as well as why at least one other position is not compelling. (This part of your post should be 5 complete sentences.) Please refer to specific examples of law, art, writing and/or specific historical artifacts.

Respond respectfully to at least two of your peers with thoughtful questions and comments to further discussion.