https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_North_and_Global_South

Globalization references processes that occur on the international level. Globalization is a result of transnational exchanges of goods, information, technologies, and migration (Jaggar). Globalization impacts food production and markets by expanding the supply chain to global economies (Jaggar). As food production processes have become increasingly globalized there has been a move away from local, small-scale food production to massive mono-crop productions intended for international trade (Jaggar). This notably impacts the health of women in the Global South (see map) as the price of food increases, the labour market becomes insecure and women are paid less for harder work (Jaggar). The United Nations estimates that one in nine people suffer from malnourishment on an ongoing basis and most likely impacts women more than men, as 70% of the global poor are women (Jaggar). The poverty women experience has negative impacts on their social mobility, physical health (chronic illness, fertility and pregnancy complications, malnourishment, etc.),  and access to adequate work (safe, secure, and fair wages with benefits/retirement). In part, the lack of job security stems from lacking labour rights. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has grossly under-protected women in the labour force by lacking enforcement of workplace safety (Jaggar). Moreover, impoverished women have a higher likelihood of experiencing sexual harassment, rape, and violence (Jaggar). For many women, cultural norms prohibit them from entering the workforce or encourage their role as a homemaker above an income-earner. These issues are drastically faced by women of the global South as their countries face massive debts since the 1980s (Jaggar). Alison M. Jaggar is a University of Colorado Boulder professor who is greatly concerned with political and social ethics and uses gender as a philosophical lens of analysis on global justice. She writes, “…by the mid-1980s, the Third World was paying out annually about three times as much in debt repayments as it received in aid from all developed-country governments and international aid agencies combined. Ten years later, the developing countries are paying the rich nations $717 million per day in debt service; $12 billion annually flows north out of Africa.” (432). The sustained debt of Southern nations perpetuates harm to women as their country’s economic political and economic processes disadvantage their ability to earn proper wages in safe work environments and access reasonably priced nourishing foods.

Jaggar, A.M., (2002). Vulnerable women and neo-liberal globalization: Debt burdens undermine women’s health in the global south. Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics, 23(6), (pp. 425-440). Springer.

As I watched Guyland, I was shocked at the realities men face as they navigate adolescence and adulthood. Michael Kimmel, the author and speaker, presented the ideologies of manhood that permeate Western cultures. He describes ideologies of manhood as (1) rejecting feminine behaviours, (2) accumulation of wealth, power, and status, (3) suppression of all feelings and emotions, and (4) exuding characteristics of risk, challenge, and confidence (Kimmel). The concepts of hegemonic and subordinate masculinities are exemplified in these ideologies. That is, they are the foundation of hegemonic masculinities that describe a man who is “strong”, “powerful”, and “stable”.

Kimmel discusses the subordinate masculinities being subject to harassment, bullying, and abuse in many forms. For instance, he tells about the narrative around behaviours, words, and material things, being “gay”, which intends to de-masculinize others (Kimmel). For instance, when a man expresses an emotion or perceived weakness they may be called “gay”. Not because they are same-sex attracted, but because their behaviour is deviant to the social norm of masculinity. This man would still benefit from male privilege but would be “less than” some men that would be emotionally monotone.

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This film challenges the hegemonic masculinities by questioning the ethical implications such oppression brings to men. For instance, the initiations that men endure through college may promise brotherhood, belonging, and status, but at what cost? Kimmel notes that 55% of college students that partake in clubs experience hazing (2023). Similar experiences are had in the military. This is a direct consequence of hegemonic masculinities and the military discourse of men. Of particular concern, is that 25% of students think adults in authority knew about the hazing practices and ignored them (2023). What does this say about our culture and the treatment of young men? In my early twenties, I found myself highly sensitive to influences in my life; it seemed as though I was a product of those around me and those that spoke authority into my life. For these young men, this is highly dangerous messaging at an influential age. Guyland reminded me of the harsh ideologies men are pressured to conform to and raised crucial questions of how these harm the development of men.

Kimmel, M. (n.d.). Guyland. Media Education Foundation. Retrieved March 24, 2023, from https://usask.kanopy.com/en/usask/video/144407, from Kanopy.

Feminism, scientific knowledge, and intersectionality were the major concepts that help me understand Modules 5, 6, and 7. Feminism is concerned with issues of gender equality and provides a lens of analysis to understand social systems of power, gender, sexuality, and race. This map shows only some of the complexities of feminist issues. Scientific knowledge has been used to perpetuate ideologies of racialization. Colonization and the Slave Trade are evidence of the racial categories maintained today. Scientific knowledge is the basis of the social construction of race and Whiteness. Intersectionality (whether representational, structural, or political discourses) provides another analysis tool for dissecting how people experience injustices and marginalization in compounding ways. These modules analyze how society, history, and discourse have created systems of inequalities in sex, gender, and race that are rooted in othering and finding differences among people. A way to alter the discourses of these issues is to have new knowledge produced that does so with an awareness and advocacy of equality.