DEBRETABOR UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF LAW
GENDER AND THE LAW TERM PAPER
PREPAYERD BY; Id
1. Gasha Mulu----------------------------------------------------------------3337
2. Samuel Bine-------------------------------------------------------------- 3066
3. Gentu Mequennt----------------------------------------------------------
4. G/meskel Ayele----------------------------------------------------------
5. Menberu Mesafint--------------------------------------------------------
6. Nibret Mamaru------------------------------------------------------------
7. Tsegaye Tafese-----------------------------------------------------------
8. Eyob Abelneh------------------------------------------------------------
9. Adane Temeche---------------------------------------------------------
10.Abeje -------------------------------------------------------------

Submitted to instructor EGZIKIBRA .B/A

Date 03/04/2015e.c
i
Contents page
Abstract .................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ..............................................................................................iv
1. What is feminism? .............................................................................. 1
2. Historical development of feminism ............................................... 2
3.1.2 Can anyone be a feminist? ............................................................... 2
4. What is toxic masculinity? .................................................................... 3
4.1Three core components: of toxic masculinity ...................................... 4
4.1.2. Definition of masculinities .............................................................. 4
4.1.7.? What negative impacts does toxic masculinity have? ................ 6
The negative effects of toxic masculinity .............................................. 6
5. Conclusion ............................................................................................. 7

ii
Abstract
Feminism means, in short and precisely consideration of women’s as equal
as men’s. Throughout most of Western history, women were confined to the
domestic sphere, while public life was reserved for men. In medieval
Europe, women were denied the right to own property, to study, or to
participate in public life.

Yes! Being a feminist simply means believing in equal rights for all
genders1. It’s not about hating men. It’s not about women being better than
men. It’s not about eschewing femininity.

Toxic masculinity isn’t just about behaving like a man. Instead, it involves
the extreme pressure some men may feel to act in a way that is actually
harmful.

1
IWDA is a proudly feminist organization.

iii
UNIT ONE

Introduction
Feminism means, in short and precisely consideration of women’s as equal as
men’s. Their equality can be manifested through equal participation of social,
economic and political activities. Feminism, the belief in social, economic, and
political equality of the sexes. Although largely originating in the West, feminism
is manifested worldwide and is represented by various institutions committed to
activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.

Toxic masculinity refers to the notion that some people’s idea of “manliness”
perpetuates domination, homophobia, and aggression2. Toxic masculinity involves
cultural pressures for men to behave in a certain way. And it’s likely this affects all
boys and men in some fashion. This idea that men need to act tough and avoid
showing all emotions can be harmful to their mental health and can have serious
consequences for society, which is how it became known as “toxic masculinity.”

Masculinities encompass the various socially constructed ways of being and acting,
values and expectations associated with being and becoming a man in a given
society, location and temporal space. While masculinities are mostly linked with

2
By Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on November 14, 2022
Medically reviewed by Akeley Marsh, MD

iv
3
1. What is feminism? Anyone who is a feminist that you know? What kind of behavior does?

They reflect? Are you against or in support of the concept of feminism?

2. What is toxic masculinity? Does it have any difference with masculinity in general? Is it

Similar with feminism for women? What negative impacts does toxic masculinity have?

Chapter one

1. What is feminism?
Feminism means, in short and precisely consideration of women’s as equal as
men’s. Their equality can be manifested through equal participation of social,
economic and political activities. Feminism, the belief in social, economic, and
political equality of the sexes. Although largely originating in the West, feminism
is manifested worldwide and is represented by various institutions committed to
activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.

We exist to advance and protect the rights of diverse women and girls. Our vision
is gender equality for all. Feminism, the belief in social, economic, and political
equality of the sexes. Although largely originating in the West, feminism is
manifested worldwide and is represented by various institutions committed to
activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests. , feminism is about all genders
having equal rights and opportunities.

It is about respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge and

strengths, and striving to empower all women to realize their full rights.

It is about leveling the playing field between genders, and ensuring that diverse
women and girls have the same opportunities in life available to boys and men.

3
Encyclopedia Britannica

1
2. Historical development of feminism
Throughout most of Western history, women were confined to the domestic
sphere, while public life was reserved for men. In medieval Europe, women were
denied the right to own property, to study, or to participate in public life. At the
end of the 19th4 century in France, they were still compelled to cover their heads in
public, and, in parts of Germany, a husband still had the right to sell his wife. Even
as late as the early 20th century, women could neither vote nor hold elective office
in Europe and in most of the United States (where several territories and states
granted women’s suffrage long before the federal government did so). Women
were prevented from conducting business without a male representative, be it
father, brother, husband, legal agent, or even son. Married women could not
exercise control over their own children without the permission of their husbands.
Moreover, women had little or no access to education and were barred from most
professions. In some parts of the world, such restrictions on women continue
today.

3. Anyone who is a feminist that you know?

There are a number of feminist that I know but they cannot express themselves due
to societal influence especially in our country Ethiopia.
3.1. What kind of behavior do they have?

3.1.2 Can anyone be a feminist?

Yes! Being a feminist simply means believing in equal rights for all genders5. It’s
not about hating men. It’s not about women being better than men. It’s not about
eschewing femininity.

Feminism doesn’t mean one person’s experiences are more important than
another.

4
By Elinor Burkett See All Last Updated: Oct 18, 2022 Edit History
5
IWDA is a proudly feminist organization.

2
It isn’t about creating a sliding scale of who is worse off – it’s about learning and
understanding the ways that inequality affect women and men, and remembering
that we’re all in this together. True equality leaves no one behind.

We don’t claim to be authorities on anyone else’s feminism, but to us,

acknowledging how different forms of discrimination intersect with and amplify
gender-based discrimination is a critical way to ensure all women reap the benefits
of women’s rights. ?
3.1.3. Are you against or in support of the concept of feminism?
I’m in the support of the concept of feminism because considering women’s
as equal as men’s is very important. Since women’s are my mother, my wife, my
sister, and my daughter. In addition to created equally as men’s (the emphasis is
added by me). .

Chapter two
4. What is toxic masculinity?
Toxic masculinity refers to the notion that some people’s idea of “manliness”
perpetuates domination, homophobia, and aggression6. Toxic masculinity involves
cultural pressures for men to behave in a certain way. And it’s likely this affects all
boys and men in some fashion. This idea that men need to act tough and avoid
showing all emotions can be harmful to their mental health and can have serious
consequences for society, which is how it became known as “toxic masculinity.”
Toxic masculinity isn’t just about behaving like a man. Instead, it involves the
extreme pressure some men may feel to act in a way that is actually harmful.

There are many definitions of “toxic masculinity” that appear in research as well
as pop culture. Some researchers have come to agree that toxic masculinity has

6
By Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on November 14, 2022
Medically reviewed by Akeley Marsh, MD

3
4.1Three core components: of toxic masculinity
4.1.2. Toughness:
This is the notion that men should be physically strong, emotionally callous, and
behaviorally aggressive.
4.1.3. Antifeminist:
This involves the idea that men should reject anything that is considered to be
feminine, such as showing emotion or accepting help.
4.1.4. Power:
This is the assumption that men must work toward obtaining power and status
(social and financial) so they can gain the respect of others.1

Glorification of Unhealthy Habits

Toxic masculinity glorifies unhealthy habits. It’s the notion that “self-care is for
women” and men should treat their bodies like machines by skimping on sleep,
working out even when they’re injured, and pushing themselves to their physical
limits. .

4.1.2. Definition of masculinities

Masculinities encompass the various socially constructed ways of being and acting,
values and expectations associated with being and becoming a man in a given
society, location and temporal space. While masculinities are mostly linked with7
biological men and boys, they are not biologically driven and not only performed
by men (OECD, 2019[7])8.

Masculinities are social constructs. They are both shaped by and part of social
institutions – formal and informal laws, social norms and practices. They relate to
perceived notions, shared by both men and women, about how “real” men
behave and, importantly, how men are expected to behave in specific settings in
order to be considered “real” men. Masculinities are not innate or linked to
biological maleness, but rather learnt through social interactions from early

7
While masculinities are mostly linked with
8
by men (OECD, 2019[7])

4
childhood into adolescence and adulthood, and transmitted from generation to
generation (Schrock and Schwab, 2009[8])9.
4.1.5. Does it have any difference with masculinity in general?
 Yes ,Basic difference between masculinity and toxic masculinity

 Masculinity means the physical strength of men’s given by society. This

means men’s are stronger than women’s according to societal believe. 10

 Whereas toxic masculinity means characteristics (idea of maleness) of men’s

to be a men’s given by a society. Example; boy is a boy ,wond bale belet set
balech beamet .this proverb indicates high privilege to men’s than women’s
and indicates idea superiority of men’s.

The definition of toxic masculinity centers on these exaggerated versions of

traditional, now archaic masculine traits.

These ideas around what a man should be forces some people to accept a very
narrow view of what it means to be masculine, which can be harmful to those who
cannot adhere to these supposed standards.

Definitional limitation

Some men might ‘act out’ some of these behaviors as they strive to be more ‘
masculine.’ This can lead to questionable and dangerous behaviors.

Moving past toxic masculinity begins with redefining what it means to be a man.
Each person should aspire to find a healthy definition of their own individuality
and work towards achieving it.
4.1.6. Is it? Similar with feminism for women and masculinity?
Not, because Feminism means, in short and precisely consideration of women’s as
equal as men’s11. Their equality can be manifested through equal participation of

9
Schrock and Schwab, 2009[8])
10
( Emphasis added by me)
11
. Different masculinities exist across cultures, geographical locations and time periods but also within cultures
and are informed by factors such as age, socio-economic background, race, and religion (Kaufman, 1999[1]).
Recognizing the diversity of masculinities highlights that men are not a homogeneous group and masculinities are
not a “fixed, ahistorical entity” (Connell, 2014[9]).

5
social, economic and political activities. Feminism, the belief in social, economic,
and political equality of the sexes. Although largely originating in the West,
feminism is manifested worldwide and is represented by various institutions
committed to activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.

Whereas masculinity means Masculinities are social constructs. They are both
shaped by and part of social institutions – formal and informal laws, social norms
and practices. They relate to perceived notions, shared by both men and women,
about how “real” men behave and, importantly, how men are expected to
behave in specific settings in order to be considered “real” men. Masculinities
are not innate or linked to biological maleness, but rather learnt through social
interactions from early childhood into adolescence and adulthood, and transmitted
from generation to generation (Schrock and Schwab, 2009[8]).
4.1.7.? What negative impacts does toxic masculinity have?

The negative effects of toxic masculinity

Feminist theorist and author bell hooks wrote, “The first act of violence that
patriarchy demands of males is not violence toward women. Instead patriarchy
demands of all males that they engage in acts of psychic self-mutilation, that they
kill off the emotional parts of themselves. If an individual is not successful in
emotionally crippling himself, he can count on patriarchal men to enact rituals of
power that will assault his self-esteem.12”

12
. On Toxic Masculinity & Healing
April 11, 2022 Kindman &

6
5. Conclusion
I try to analysis each point of difference between the given issues. It is about
respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge and strengths, and
striving to empower all women to realize their full rights.

It is about leveling the playing field between genders, and ensuring that diverse
women and girls have the same opportunities in life available to boys and men.
Not, because Feminism means, in short and precisely consideration of women’s as
equal as men’s13. Their equality can be manifested through equal participation of
social, economic and political activities. Feminism, the belief in social, economic,
and political equality of the sexes. Although largely originating in the West,
feminism is manifested worldwide and is represented by various institutions
committed to activity on behalf of women’s rights and interests.

13
. Different masculinities exist across cultures, geographical locations and time periods but also within cultures
and are informed by factors such as age, socio-economic background, race, and religion (Kaufman, 1999[1]).
Recognizing the diversity of masculinities highlights that men are not a homogeneous group and masculinities are
not a “fixed, ahistorical entity” (Connell, 2014[9]).

7
8