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** Week 2: Women's Amazing Bodies **
I found this week’s lecture very interesting. I never knew there was a difference between gender and sex. It turns out that sex is determined by biological and physical characteristics where as gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. I understand that women’s gender roles have come a long way however I believe that they are still very evident in society today. Although women these days are more accomplished in the workforce I believe there is still a long way to go. I look forward to the day where a man cleans, cooks and takes care of children the same amount a woman does.

It is very hard these days for women to feel beautiful naked. Thanks to the media and increased exposure to internet porn many women feel they need cosmetic surgery. I find it sad that women these days go under the knife in an attempt to boost their self esteem and self confidence. Unfortunately I don’t think women are going to stop pursuing a designer vagina or Barbie body anytime soon. If anything, I think instances of labiaplasties and other cosmetic surgeries are going to increase.

“ //"The female body is the best work of art”// - Jess C. Scott



Week 3: Women in Popular Culture, Advertising and Media

I really enjoyed the topics covered in this week’s lecture. I’ve always believed that the image of women has changed significantly throughout the years but after this lecture I found myself asking the question, has anything really changed? Women have come a long way but it is a long way down the road until we are equal to men. Sure, women no longer face being burned at the stake but the inequality is still present. The media is not doing society any favors through the way they portray women.

The question was posed, “how does the society we live in construct our gender roles?” I believe society constructs our gender roles in every way, shape and form. The way we speak, the sports we play, the clothes we wear, the books we read, what we study and much more are all influenced by society. I feel society has a massive influence on our self image. Images of beautiful people are everywhere around us. It makes it hard to look in the mirror and not compare yourself to these beauties. It is really no wonder so many women have self esteem issues. We all need to embrace the naturally beautiful body we are given. = Week 4: The 'Right' to Have a Child =

Before I even went to this week’s lecture I knew it was going to be an interesting one. The topic the “right” to have a child is very debatable. The subject which I found interesting was the effect of the introduction of birth control. It was discussed that people having sex not for reproduction was a new phenomenon. As I’m only 21 birth control has always been around me. The idea that people only had sex for reproductive purposes is something that most people of my generation know nothing about. These days, sex is more a means a means of physical expressing yourself rather than to produce a child. Now, I'm saying that this is necessarily a good thing, but the trends that are outlined that resulted from the introduction of the contraceptive pill are outstanding and highlight how beneficial it can be.

During the lecture I was left shocked when I read some of the quotes from Tony Abbott. It is hard to believe that he may soon be the prime minister of this country. I can’t fathom how Tony Abbot believes that the increased rates of abortion are a “national tragedy” and “utterly shameful” (with women being responsible for this so called “shame”). I don’t understand how he could deny women of the abortion pill RU486. Abortion is hard enough for a woman. There is no need to deny them of a non-invasive, anaesthetic-free alternative to expensive, potentially painful and dangerous clinical abortion. Ultimately, the choice to have an abortion is up to the woman and no law or Politician should get in the way on this right.

I had never really thought about when the ‘right’ time is to have a child. I suppose I’ve always thought that I would just know. After the lecture today I decided that there are a number of fundamental questions that I would ask myself to ensure I provide the best life for my future child. Firstly, can I financially afford to provide for a child? I don’t want enough money that I can provide them with a gold-plate but I do want enough so that they can get by comfortably. Secondly, can I professionally afford to provide for a child? I will need to consider how much I care about my career and moving up fast in my field. Maybe I should achieve my career aspiration first in a faster span of time, then be able to enjoy and afford raising my child with the financial freedom my careers affords me. Thirdly, can I personally afford to provide for a child? A child can add more psychological stress. It is important to me that I get my own life straight before I take care of another’s. It is important that I have a child for the right reasons. The final question I need to ask myself is do I have a reliable partner? It is important to me to have somebody to build my family with. I think a loving mother and father is vital for the child’s growth. Week 5: The Fashion Industry and Body Image This week’s lecture discussed how the fashion industry and body image impacts women’s health. The images of women with unrealistic body sizes are everywhere. Young models and celebrities portrayed in the media set the standard of what’s considered attractive. This encourages women to try live up to unrealistic expectations. The mindset that thin is better is unrealistic. Being pencil this can go against healthy practices. For instance, teenage girls who go on a crash diet to fit into their size 6 jeans – just like the models they see in magazines and on the run way – may end up weighing far less than what is healthy. Underweight teens run the risk of stunted growth and development, frail bones and weakened immune system. Some women spend excessive amounts of time exercising in a quest to be a thin as a model. Too much vigorous physical activity can lead to knee trauma, shin splints and pulled muscles.

The unattainable image of beauty can generate eating disorders. Throughout the past century it is no wonder why eating disorders in women have become such a problem. No matter where you go and what you listen to you are always bombarded with the idea that to be successful and happy, you must be as beautiful and this as the models presented in advertisements. The exposure to images that are unrealistic make is very hard for women to feel attractive and accepted in our society.