A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What is the key belief of postmodern feminists regarding gender?

1. It is a static concept defined by biology

2. It is entirely a social construct

3. It is shaped by culture and society

4. It is solely determined by individual choice

The correct answer is: It is shaped by culture and society

Postmodern feminists emphasize that gender is shaped by cultural and societal influences, rather than being a fixed or purely biological concept. This perspective highlights how gender identities and roles are fluid and can vary significantly across different historical and social contexts. By focusing on the interplay between culture and society, postmodern feminists assert that gender is not a predetermined static notion but rather a dynamic construct influenced by various social factors, including race, class, sexuality, and individual experience. This understanding allows for a more nuanced view of gender, acknowledging that the meanings and expressions of gender can shift based on time and place, as well as personal and collective experiences. It aligns with the postmodern feminist view that rejects universal narratives about women's experiences, stressing the diversity and complexity of gender identities. Thus, the emphasis on culture and society as shaping forces in the construction of gender is central to postmodern feminist thought.