UNIT IV REVIEW-1
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UNIT IV REVIEW - Women in the Global Marketplace
David Ajayi
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
HIST103
3 November 2023
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Women have fought a lot to demonstrate what they deserve. Be it women on military
bases or sex workers, women have to struggle to reach the point where they can have a say.
Being bounded too, women have had choices where they explore their minds and make
decisions that can get the outcomes they wanted, being able to control their life opportunities
in some ways.
Henrietta Lacks, the central figure in "The Woman in the Photograph," exhibited
agency in various aspects of her life despite facing significant contextual constraints. Her
decision to consent to medical treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital showcased her autonomy
and decision-making power regarding her health ( Skloot, 2010). Moreover, Henrietta's
unwitting contribution to medical research, particularly the creation of the HeLa cell line,
demonstrated a form of agency as her cells played a pivotal role in scientific advancements.
Additionally, her advocacy for her family's health, prioritizing medical care and vaccinations,
reflected a proactive approach to the well-being of her loved ones ( Skloot, 2010). However,
contextual constraints were evident, notably in the lack of informed consent during her time,
highlighting the limited understanding of the implications of medical procedures. Structural
inequities in healthcare, particularly for African Americans, shaped her options and
constrained access to quality medical treatment ( Skloot, 2010). Furthermore, the exploitation
of Henrietta's cells in medical research without her or her family's knowledge underscored
systemic issues in ethical oversight. The narrative of Henrietta Lacks serves as a poignant
illustration of the intricate interplay between personal agency and contextual limitations,
emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and equitable healthcare practices ( Skloot,
2010).
In Cynthia Enloe's chapter on "Base Women" in
Bananas, Beaches, and Bases:
Making Feminist Sense of International Politics
, examples of agency among women
associated with military bases emerge. These women showcased agency in their pursuit of
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employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, engaging in diverse occupations that catered
to American soldiers (Enloe,2014). Moreover, they demonstrated a form of agency in
negotiating relationships within the unique context of military bases, navigating complex
dynamics with soldiers. The community-building efforts of women on military undersides,
such as forming support networks and engaging in social activities, underscored their agency
in fostering a sense of camaraderie (Enloe,2014). However, the chapter also illuminates
contextual constraints shaping the options available to these women. Limited economic
opportunities confined their employment choices, as specific sectors were predominantly
public to them. Gendered power dynamics within the military hierarchy and the overarching
patriarchal military culture constrained the agency of women, influencing their interactions
and personal and professional lives (Enloe,2014). Enloe's nuanced analysis captures the
complex interplay between agency and contextual limitations for women associated with
military bases, providing a deeper understanding of their experiences within this specific
international political landscape. "The Life and Times of Sara Baartman" Sara Baartman
demonstrated agency in her decision to leave her home in the Eastern Cape and seek
employment opportunities (Maseko, 1998). However, she was exploited as a spectacle,
subjected to degrading public displays, and became a victim of the colonial gaze that
objectified and commodified her body(Maseko, 1998).
So, while discussing women, gender, and movement in the global marketplace, one
can observe a nuanced interplay between social agency and constraining social contexts.
Women strive hard to have a point of their own; however, they face social restraints that they
must overcome. These narratives collectively emphasize the imperative of dismantling
oppressive structures, promoting ethical considerations, and fostering environments that
enable women to exercise genuine autonomy and shape their destinies. As one draws insights
from these diverse experiences, the call for gender equity and the recognition of women's
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agency echoes loudly, urging society to progress toward a more inclusive and empowering
future.
References
Enloe, C. (2014). Base Women. In
Bananas, Beaches and Bases: Making Feminist Sense of
International Politics
(2nd ed., pp. 125–173). University of California Press.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctt6wqbn6.9
Skloot, R. (2010).
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
. Roseville Public Library.
Maseko, Z. (1998).
The Life and Times of Sara Baartman 1998
‧
Documentary
‧
53 mins
.
UNLVprimo
. Retrieved from https://unlv-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-
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