Section 1: The History of the 19th Century Doctress

This section explores the development of female medical education, sexual harassment within the field, and an exceptional “doctress”.  We begin by exploring the debate over education equality and the establishment of the first female medical college. Then we analyze the roots of sexual harassment within the medical field. Finally, we focus on the life of Dr. Mary Walker, an outstanding civil war surgeon and dress reformist.

Section 2: Gender Roles in Visual Culture

In the mid-twentieth century, visual media and fashion established certain ideals for gender roles, proposing challenges to females regarding equality. Some women have been given the opportunity to overcome the pressure to conform, as demonstrated in a few of our chapters. However, most women struggled to combat these restrictions on their identity, further perpetuating toxic societal norms.

Section 3: Feminist Organizing and Women's Rights

Feminist organizing refers to the efforts of women to explicitly challenge their seemingly inferior role to men. Whether that refers to gendered violence, inequality in the workplace, or sexual harassment, these groups aim to call attention to and fight against gender-based inequalities. The personal is political. Depending on when or where the organizing took place, many women took the initiative to join the movement to dismantle the patriarchy. A fundamental aspect of this work lies in these groups’ ability to be intersectional when recruiting members. You cannot be for women without being for women of color, queer women as well as poor and working-class women. It is important for women to fight for their liberation and to be heard because women make up half of the population and half of its potential.

The combination of topics within this chapter highlights the universality of women organized to be heard, as well as the diversity of the topics that women seek liberation from. In South Africa, while women were fighting for their rights as women, they were also fighting against racial oppression – they chose this female forum because they felt that their voices were better heard when not being drowned out by overpowering men. In Puerto Rico, women were calling for a state of emergency for the government to recognize the pandemic that was – and still is – gendered violence on the Island, so that some semblance of justice could be brought to its victims. The role of the United Nations in being a voice for Women’s rights further highlights how it is a global concern. Thus, it is evident how women play a large role in liberation movements throughout history, as well as throughout the world.

Section 4: Masculinity through Time, Space, and Literature

From the Colonial Period to the 1960s and even now, cultural and social norms shape the Western standards for masculine expression. Social standards for masculinity impact not only men, but every gender identity, sexual orientation, and their portrayals in literature. This section follows these shifts in society’s image of masculinity through time and space, while sharing a glimpse into how historical documentations have influenced people’s perceptions of gender.