Sample exam anth2600b.
Please note that these questions are the ones which ask you to think across the
readings, these are the hardest questions. If you can look at the readings in the
light of these questions you can do well in the test. Please remember that there
may be more specific questions which relate directly to particular articles and
Ward chapters.
1. How are systems of gender classification variable, and what does this tell us
about where ideas of gender come from? Please give at least two examples.
2. Why are gender identities not a direct reflection of anatomical sex differences?
3. Please explain the irony in these two conflicting characterizations of manhood:
"…masculinity (being-a-man) is natural and healthy and innate"; and "men must
stay masculine do not ever let their masculinity falter." How does this conflict
relate to the idea of masculinity as performative?
4. Gender needs to be conceptualized in terms of a fluid continuum of identities
rather than differentiated in a fixed and dichotomous way. Please write a short
essay supporting this claim by giving examples.
5. Discuss forms of resistance in daily life by giving at least two examples.
6. It is argued that conflicts over class and national identity are often constructed as
conflicts over gender and gender meanings. Please elaborate on this by giving
examples.
7. Please explain how religion can function as a cultural system in shaping our
ideas about masculinities and femininities. Give examples (hint: think of the
connections made between women and the devil [Brandes], or women being the
ones who tempt men [Thaiss].)
8. Abu-Lughod says "where there is resistance there is power". Please explain this
by bringing in one more example in addition to Bedouin community. You can use
an example outside the reading list.
9. How would you explain the need for a unified analysis of gender, race and class?
10. Make a question yourself. (Your question may relate only to one of these articles:
Thaiss, Wikan, Harris, Brandes, de Lepervance).
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11. Please explain to what extent, if any, masculine roles or masculinity translate into
social power and feminine roles or femininity into powerlessness? How might
exploring the nature of these roles help explain gender inequalities in society?
12. What is the relationship between gender ideologies and power?
13. How can the existence of "third gender" in a particular society contribute to the
construction of femininity and masculinity. Give an example from your readings.
14. On the basis of Harris' article "Condor and Bull" please explain how she sees
violence? If you think in terms of the dilemmas of cultural relativism and universal
human rights expressed by Ward, how would you explain Harris' contribution to
understanding the people of Northern Potosi and gender and violence in
general?
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