Gender Processes in Women’s Self-Help Movements: Taylor
January 9, 2012 Leave a comment
Taylor, Verta. 1999. “Gender and Social Movements: Gender Processes in Women’s Self-Help Movements.” Gender and Society 13(1): 8-33
This article draws from the case study of the post-partum depression self help movement in the US. Taylor utilizes gender theories and social movement theories to explain the gendering of social movements. She analyzes gender by examining gender at multiple levels of interaction, structure and culture in the post partum depression movement. She explains the emergence of the movement using the theoretical framework of political opportunities, mobilizing structures and frames.
In terms of the political and cultural context, the following was noted. The post partum depression self help movement emerged when the medical structures were being more receptive to critiques of cultural bias against women’s post partum conditions. The increasing number of women entering the medical establishments also led to more favourable voices within the structures.
In terms of mobilizing structures, Taylor notes that the post partum depression movement began through informal networks of two feminists, who suffered post-partum depression. The movement utilized face to face support networks and telephone support to women and their families. Through articles in magazines and television shows, the movement also sought to create solidarity among women suffering from post partum depression. They also encouraged “collective self-expression” among women giving space to an emotional culture, which is often seen as feminine.
In terms of frames, the author examines gender in two ways. 1) Gender as a collective action frame. 2) Gender as a collective identity. The movement, while addressing post partum depression among mothers, raised voices against gendered divison of work within traditional families, stating this isolation of women as a major cause of depression. Activists utilize the movement’s collective identity to help women deal with dominant cultural notions and expectations from motherhood.
In conclusion, the author states that it is important to examine how social movements contribute to the social construction of gender. Regarding the post partum movement, the author identifies a paradox in the movement: The movement’s collective identity gives space to modes of interaction among women which are usually considered to be feminine, but at the same time, considers women as helpless victims of the medical establishment. However, the collective action repertoire of the movement leaves scope for challenging the existing cultural notions of oppression, reinforced by the gender bias in the medical structures.