THE FILIPINO WOMAN: A Gendered History

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THE FILIPINO WOMAN: A Gendered History

Abstract

This paper explores the historical, religious and philosophical underpinnings of how women have been relegated into the background in recent years by tracing the history of women in the Philippines.

The respected status Filipino women enjoyed during the pre-Spanish Philippines were predicated on the notion of equality and partnership dictated by the social roles played by both men and women. Spanish conquest of the Philippines altered the hitherto existing social order. The Spanish imposed religion in the colony which had so much misogynistic ideas that demeaned women.

Centuries of Spanish colonialism had disfigured the social landscape for women in the Philippines. Womanhood was bestowed with new meanings to the disadvantage of women. And yet the women of the Philippines themselves had been vindicated and they have restored the social status of respect they once enjoyed.

Currently, the entire legal system of the Philippines had already taken cognizance of the important role of women in nation building. What remains is whether or not such policy pronouncements get implemented.

Introduction

The biblical account of creation in the Book of Genesis tells us that the Creator made man in His own image. Man and woman He created them. The chronology of creation, however, gave primacy to man. After the created man has settled in the Garden of Eden, the Creator said: "it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him". The Creator thus formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air and brought it to man ... but none proved to be a suitable partner for the man. Consequently, the Creator caused man to sleep and out of his rib He created a new being called 'woman' for out of her man, this one has been taken. It thus appeared that as man's companion, the woman was not even the first choice.

Taking the story of creation a bit further, the woman succumbed to temptation. She ate the forbidden fruit which she also gave to the man. When the Creator confronted them on what they did, the man placed all the blame on the woman. As a consequence, to the woman the Creator said: "I will intensify the pangs of your childbearing; in pain shall you bring forth children. Yet your urge shall be for your husband, and he shall be your master". And to the man He said: "Cursed be the ground because of you! In toil shall you eat its yield all the days of your life". And then, they were banished from the Garden of Eden. Pain and suffering has entered the world through the woman.

The Church and Misogyny

Gender and Gendered Institutions, Identities and Roles

The Underlying Ideology and Gender Inequality

Sexism in Language

Women in Pre-colonial Philippines

Spanish Conquest and the Subordination of Women in the Philippines

Women's Movement in the Philippines

Overview

The document analyzes the transformation of women's roles in the Philippines, focusing on the historical factors that led to their diminished status and the efforts for restoration in contemporary society. It highlights the need for policy implementation to recognize the important role of women in nation-building.

Key Points

1The status of Filipino women was historically equal prior to Spanish colonization
2The Church has perpetuated misogynistic views, impacting women's societal standing
3Gender roles have been socially constructed to favor male dominance
4Patriarchy remains ingrained in social institutions, perpetuating gender inequality
5Language reflects and reinforces gender disparities in society

Details

Authors: HILTON J. AGUJA
Category: Social Sciences

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