Looking At Women's Roles

We wish to acknowledge that we "borrowed" the questionnaire from South Shore H.S., New York. Unfortunately we cannot credit the author as he/she remains a mystery!

Purpose -

    Get your members thinking about women's rights, sexual discrimination and possible solutions. Help your members discover thier own opinions and values. It should be stressed that this IS NOT designed to provide ULTIMATE or FINAL statements. It is to heighten awareness that the role women play in all our daily lives is changing, and to help us understand our feeings (and those of others) in response to this.

Materials -

    This porgram guide, pencils and paper for all.

Number of People -

    Any number above 5 members could participate. Over 20 participants split into two groups for the discussion.

Introduction -

  1. Explain that you have a questionnaire on womanhood. Ask that members answer the questions privately and as honestly as possible. Emphasize that there are no right answers.

  2. Pass out copies of the questionnaire and pencils and give about 5 - 10 minutes for members to complete. Or pass out paper and read the questionnaire to the members slowly - allowing 15 - 30 seconds between questions.

  3. Pick 3 or 4 questions that seem most controversial (e.g. #13, #6, #3) and ask for different members responses and reasons for their response. Let people volunteer first - don't put people on the spot.

  4. This should be enough to get discussion started. Your role is now to help the discussion, keep it focused, clarify opinions and differences of opinion.

  5. Here are some additional questions for discussion:

    1. What does having "control over one's body" really mean?

    2. Can women achieve equality in this society now? In the future? How?

    3. Do you think there have been changes in social attitudes toward women since the beginning of the feminist movement? Positive or negative?

    4. Do the members think they are sexist? Why or why not? Give examples.

    5. Has the woman's movement changed your life? How do you think your life might have been?

    6. Has feminism led to greater sexual activity or less?

  6. This is an excellent program with which to invite an outside resource person - someone active in the woman's movement, from N.O.W., a local teacher running a course in sexism/feminism. This person could be helpful in reacting to some of the comments and perhaps presenting a wider perspective.

OPPINIONNAIRE ON WOMANHOOD

Directions -

In the blank space to the left of each statement, place the letter(s) that indicate the extent to which you agree with the statement.

SA - Strongly Agreee
A - Agree
U - Uncertain
D - Disagree
SD - Strongly Disagree

__________ 1. Women should have the right to abortion on demand.
__________ 2. Free day care for children is a right which all women should be able to demand.
__________ 3. Marriage is an institution that benefits males primarily.
__________ 4. Today's divorce laws put down women.
__________ 5. Employment practices in the U.S. discriminate against women.
__________ 6. The use of female sex appeal in advertising should be stopped.
__________ 7. Job vacancy notices should not mention sex.
__________ 8. Women should receive equal pay for equal work.
__________ 9. Women, because of their sensitivity, are superior to men in all work that does not rely primarily on brute strength.
__________ 10. Women should not be barred from careers because they are mothers.
__________ 11. Women's emotions overshadow their intellect.
__________ 12. Women are underrepresented in public office
__________ 13. A woman should be able to have herself sterilzed without her husband's permission.
__________ 14. Birth control information and devices should be readily available to any female over age fourteen who requests them.