Discussion Abstract

Katelyn Temple
WST 3015
Jeannina Perez
February 8, 2010

“Women’s Bodies, Women’s Health.” Women’s Lives: Multicultural Perspectives. Ed. Gwyn Kirk, Margo Ozakawa- Rey. McGraw-Hill, 1997. 207-238


Women’s Bodies, Women’s Health is a preface to chapter 5. There is no author. This preface discusses body issues and everything concerning body issues. From the macro, micro and meso levels. To begin with, the issue of women’s body image, ideals and health are addressed. A comparison can be drawn between Aristotle’s “discourse on the “normal and the abnormal”” (207) and the theory of A and not-A. Nancy Jay defined A as the isolated pure choice and not-A as impure. Aristotle claims “the generic type” is male (A) and the “monstrosity” is female or disabled (not-A).

An important section is when body images and stereotypes are discussed. The issue of an ablest, ageist, heterosexist, and racist marketing and advertising system is addressed. Although women’s organizations are fighting back against these discriminatory advertisements which appeal to women on a superficial level little is being accomplished. The majority of women do not relate to the women in the commercials because they do not reflect that fact that more women are over weight in this control then not.

A large portion of this section addresses reproductive health and sexual education, or should we say miss-education. Issues such as controlling fertility, teen pregnancy, reproductive justice and how “women with disabilities must also fight for the right to have children” (211) are discussed. The lack of proper sex education is a major issue because it affects every person and every decision they make. Those in dire situations with a lack of income, education, employment and health services are at a major disadvantage. Those who are aging also have a slue of issues to face but once again, education is prevention.

Important emphasis is placed on the ideas of the Western world in comparison to those in the Eastern world. For example, acupuncture. Most think of this as an Eastern therapy treatment but most also do not know acupuncture is practiced Latino, American, Caribbean and African American communities. The Western world is focused on medicine, surgery and big business. There is a strong focus on illness and disease in Western societies.

Women’s health has been a feminist issue for over forty years. A strong emphasis is placed on self-education and prevention care.