Abstract
An overview of the status of women, starting from antiquity (including their status in the Far East), and ending in the present day, emphasizing American women, and their prospects for education and economic advancement.

From the Paper
"There are and always have been very distinct divisions in the roles of men and women. These divisions are deep-rooted in economic, social and religious beliefs throughout history. Women have played many roles in societies throughout history. Through the centuries, almost every society has developed very distinct ideas of what activities are proper for women. In some societies, there is no greater honor than to be a woman and in turn a mother. Yet, as in some Asian cultures, the lives of women are of such less value than those of men that the practice of female infanticide has become a widely used device for population control. Over time, many reasons have been given for the gender inequality that exists in society. Women are supposed to be weaker, less aggressive and more caring and nurturing than men. However, the most applied barrier of equality, especially in the workplace, has been woman's ability to bear children (Hanmer 19). Because only women have the ability to bear children, it has often been viewed that it is thus a woman's ultimate obligation to do so. There has been no scientific evidence though that women have what is called maternal instinct, that is, a natural desire to bear and care for children (Hanmer 115). From the earliest of times, motherhood has helped to divide men and women since women primarily stay at home while pregnant and nursing. Likewise, men have traditionally taken jobs away from the home. In primitive times, this practice may not have suggested inequality between the sexes. Yet, in our modern times the tradition of women staying at home rearing children while men work outside the home has left many women economically dependent on a man to provide the material necessities of life. "

Tags:equality, jobs, women, feminism

Abstract
This paper describes the stereotypes and biases that are seen in the media on a daily basis.The author gives a detailed look at how these stereotypes affect society and the values and morals instilled in children.

From the Paper
"In today's ever diversifying society one detrimental problem that remains is that of stereotypes and biases. Do the people in our country need to see more negative portrayals than they already are? Within certain types of media, minorities and women are often times portrayed negatively. Within this research paper, two television shows will be analyzed in terms of age, race, gender, target audiences, socioeconomic differences, stereotypes and biases, clothing and presentation, and the role of characters. Aside from the characters in the television shows, products being advertised will also be evaluated. Often times an advertising company will choose a target audience and present the goods in a specific style, meaning the company will choose different age brackets, background voices, and special effects. Most importantly, the effect these shows have on children will be discussed. Children look at television characters as role models, and this research paper will test these programs to see if integrity and proper moral standards are displayed."

Tags:media, telivision, newpapers, books, society, minorities, stereotype, bias, discrimination

Abstract
An examination of the role of the Indian woman in society. An analysis of the "Mahabharata" which goes into great depth when describing this role. The author looks at the lives of Indian women, their status, education, goals and contributions.

From the Paper
"The Mahabharata is essential for understanding human nature and the culture of India, past and present. As declared by Vyasa, "Whatever is not found in the Mahabharata cannot be found anywhere else." The Mahabharata does indeed present a complete picture of the lives of women in India, dealing with such topics as status, education, goals, marriage, achievement, family life, social life, moral codes, duty (dharma), and etiquette."

Tags:hindu, india, indian, ramayana, vedas, vishnu

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the obsession that women have about their weight and size. It claims that advertising, social pressure and media all have major roles in fanning this obsession. It provides a history of the fashion industry and show how this too has influenced this phenomena.

From the paper:

"36-24-36? Those numbers might not mean a thing to some, but for many women, they are the hallmark of western society's obsession with weight. Everywhere you look, scantily clothed women with well-defined midriffs are smiling back from televisions, movie screens, magazines, and billboards. The advertising world wants you to believe that these women have it all: they are beautiful, they are thin, and as a result, they are happier than you. While most people would agree that this is certainly not true, a growing number of women are left wondering: Do I have to be thin to have it all?"

Tags:fashion, diet, happiness, model, femininity, appetite, power, sexuality, commercials, beauty, eating, disorders, image

Abstract
This paper examines how the short story, "A & P" by John Updike, chronicles contemporary American society and how it treats issues of social stratification among members of the society. It looks at how, written in the 1960s, "A & P" provides an insightful look at the dynamics of gender and socio-economic differences of people in American society. It also explores how it discusses issues on social stratification from the viewpoint of Sammy, a young man who works at the store, "A & P". In particular, it shows how Sammy's character is an interesting and essential factor for the issue of social stratification because he serves as Updike's "commentator" on sensitive issues, such as gender discrimination on women and the snobbish and oppressive nature of the elite class in the society.

From the Paper
"The first theme discussed in the short story is the issue of gender discrimination among women. In the story, Sammy serves as the "male chauvinist" character, providing an explicit description of the three young women he encounters in the convenience store. Initially, audiences would react at the seemingly sexist comments of Sammy, wherein he looks at the young women's physical attributes only and making unpleasant remarks at them (through his narration to the reader)."

Tags:sammy, class, elite, discrimination, gender

Abstract
This paper discusses the history, practice and evolution of the Qu'aran and Islam as it relates to women in society. Roles of women, freedoms, rights, and obligations are all viewed both in present times and in traditional Islamic society of centuries ago. The paper shows positive evidence of progress for women in Islamic society, as well as roadblocks yet to be overcome.

Tags:feminism, islam, rights, sociology, studies, women

Abstract
This paper examines how successful Indigenous women of Australia have been in using the available law and legislation to claim their right to land. To achieve this, the writer examines the available documents from court cases and government agencies, and references what academics and Indigenous women have to say on the matter. Since invasion, Indigenous women have been trapped in a white, western, masculine, hegemonic system, the reason being, the invading society brought with them western European gender concepts to Australia, and these facts will be discussed. The writer argues that these concepts have changed since colonisation, but that Indigenous women's voices are still silenced in Australia.

From the Paper
"There is often a preconception of Indigenous women, that is characterised by the view that men are central actors in society and that their knowledge envelops the social/cultural world, while women are peripheral and acted upon, being the possessors of knowledge that encompasses only a portion of the social/cultural world. The Hindmarsh Island Bridge (Kumarangk) case is a perfect example of this. The Ngarrindjeri women's secret/sacred business was completely dismissed by the western court system. As Scutt points out, "Aboriginal women's business has a longevity going way beyond the existence of anglo-Australian law" . Furthermore, a land claim hearing has the potential to become a lose/lose situation for Indigenous women."

Tags:colonisation, evidence, court, gender, equality

Abstract
This paper traces feminist concern over female body image, citing the various problems associated with it. The author takes issue primarily with our society's obsession with thinness and eating disorders. The paper then considers the feminist response to female body image issues, which include an acute scrutiny of the media. The author concludes by advocating feminist political action and unity.

Outline

The Feminist Concern with Female Body Image
The Feminist Response to Female Body Image Issues

From the Paper
"Feminists also think that certain issues cannot be addressed by men because they are related to the biological experience of being a woman, especially the new concerns about child-bearing and the symbolic significance of the female body that emerged with new reproductive technologies (Goslinga-Roy, 2000). Specific to women is also the issue of their sexuality, a great part of it being shaped by physiological differences. Biologically condemned to the passive role, feminine flesh cannot be altered at will (whereas the aggressive role of the male exposes him less to be gazed at) and is judged upon its inert qualities."

Tags:gender, women, beauty, anorexia, diet

Abstract
The paper discusses the exclusion of women from the symbolic representation of the Australian national identity conveyed by a typically masculine drinking culture. The paper also discusses how women were always present as workers in the pub, which seemed representative of their exploitation, but this work also provided women with a form of economic independence and feminine empowerment. The paper then describes how women had to fight for their presence in the pub as customers. The paper shows how far from being a space in which women were absent, the pub presents itself as a site of contested gender relations where gender codes were constantly negotiated across the century.

From the Paper
"Throughout the twentieth century emerged a typically Australian drinking culture shaped by the licensing laws implemented during the early years of the century. The powerful temperance movement's and religious leaders' reaction against modernity led them to focus on campaigns against public drinking (Kirkby and Luckins 2006, p.78). The Housewives Associations and the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, in particular, concentrated on the issue of prohibition (Smart 1998, p. 215). During the Great War, wartime patriotism added to the general mood of temperance and resulted in introducing the 'six o'clock' or 'early closing' of pubs and hotels in all states except Western Australia and Queensland (Luckins 2007, p.08.2). It was considered a temporary measure, to be tolerated until the end of the war; however it became permanent in 1919 (Luckins 2008, p.297). The general impression was that it was the 'wowsers' (Dunstan 1968), or even women - who were prominent in temperance organisations - who caused the emergence of a new, 'uncivilised' mode of drinking: the 'six o'clock swill' (Luckins 2007, p.08.2). Indeed, although patrons and publicans resisted the new regulations through after hours trading and sly-grogging (Luckins 2008, p.296), for the law-abiding, drinking in pubs became something to do on the way home from work - at the time of the day when women were preparing dinner and bathing children. This resulted in the emergence of the 'six o'clock swill', when men rushed into the public bar to gulp down as many beers as possible before closing, marking the cessation of the pub as a place for entertainment and its emergence as 'a segregated place for drinking, in both the popular imagination and in actuality' (Kirkby and Luckins 2006, p.79). The major consequence of early closing was to turn 'the public bar, where men drank with other men during the rush period between five and six pm, into the focus of the pub business and consequent representations of Australian public drinking culture' (Kirkby and Luckins 2006, p.78). By the time early closing came to an end - between 1955 and 1967 depending on the state - 'six o'clock swill' had become in popular imaginary a 'crude characterisation of an Australian way of drinking' (Luckins 2007, p.08.12) - from which women were excluded."

Tags:feminism, empowerment, masculinity, alcohol, drinking, workers, customers

Abstract
This paper outlines the historic association between women and depression and highlights society's proclivity to believe women are more susceptible to mental illness due to their hormones. It argues, however, that women are more likely than men to experience depression and mental illness due to their social and political stance within society; that is, women are more likely to be depressed because, in a patriarchal society, they have "more to be depressed about". It covers physical and sexual violence, gendered economics, family 'responsibilities' of women, and the gendered implications of female embodiment.

Outline
Women and Mental Illness: From Hysteria to Depression
The View from the Bottom Rung of the Gender Hierarchy
Physical and Sexual Violence
Cultural Implications of Female Embodiment on Economic (In)Dependence
Family Caring Responsibilities
Damned if They Do and Damned if They Don?t: the Feminine Gender Role

From the Paper
"The connection between women and mental illness is a long and, in many ways, inseparable one. Historically, in our cultural myths, it is women who are "mad" or drive men to "madness" "spinsters, crones, and witches are all depicted as slightly mad, while the Furies and the oceanic Sirens are supposed harbingers of madness. Let us not forget either that it was the first woman, Eve, who brought both literal and symbolic madness, in the form of disharmony and evil, to "man-kind." The extensive medical history between women and mental illness begins in recorded history, not surprisingly, as intricately bound up with that which defines them as "other" their biology. Four thousand years ago the Egyptian "Kahun Papyrus" associated female distress with the "dislocation... of the uterus." Fifteen hundred years later, Hippocrates described the female disease "hysteron" caused by an organic imbalance of the womb, and thus the female "hysteric" was born. By the seventeenth century C.E., dominant medical discourse had relocated the site of women's mental illness from the womb to the brain, and hysteria became a disease of the mind."

Tags:feminism, gender, health, marginalisation, mental, oppression