Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/genre
In the ever-evolving landscape of social sciences, understanding gender has become an indispensable tool for analysis. Coursera’s “Genre : quels enjeux ? Violences, globalisation, biomédecine, sexualités” offers a timely and comprehensive introduction to this vital interdisciplinary field, making it accessible for the first time in French. This course is not just an academic pursuit; it’s a crucial step towards fostering social awareness and addressing inequalities.
**What is Gender and Why Does it Matter?**
The course begins by demystifying the concept of ‘gender’ and illustrating its utility in understanding how societies are organized, divided, and hierarchical. It highlights gender as a transdisciplinary analytical tool, applicable across history, anthropology, sociology, and political science. This foundational module equips learners with the theoretical framework needed to tackle the more specific thematic modules.
**Exploring Violence Through a Gendered Lens**
The ‘Violences’ module delves into gendered violence, acknowledging the significant role of women’s movements in bringing this issue to the forefront. It thoughtfully addresses how this focus might sometimes obscure other forms of gendered violence and the experiences of women as perpetrators. The module examines violence in various spheres – the workplace, intimate relationships, and education – and critically analyzes the instrumentalization of anti-violence discourse.
**Globalisation and its Gendered Impacts**
This section provides an analytical perspective on social gender relations in the context of globalization. It unpacks how phenomena like post-colonialism, neoliberalism, and the international division of labor have reshaped gender dynamics. Furthermore, it investigates the feminization of migration, globalized domestic work, and the transnational sex market, offering insights into new forms of polarization driven by elite mobility and social movement reconfiguration.
**Gender in Science, Technology, and Biomedicine**
Challenging the notion of neutrality in science and technology, this module encourages a critical examination of our relationship with these domains. It explores how science and technology shape social relations, gender, and bodies, and analyzes the political and social implications of biomedical advancements. Key lessons tackle the social and professional division of labor, the institutional production of knowledge, the nature/culture divide, and how biomedicine is redefining the boundaries of sex and gender.
**Understanding Sexualities**
The final module broadens the understanding of human sexualities, moving beyond the private sphere to acknowledge the influence of social norms that define legitimate and deviant practices. It traces the historical evolution of these norms in the Western world since the 19th century, leading to a discussion of contemporary issues. The course highlights how, despite greater openness, modern society continues to produce meanings around sexuality, with new theories offering fresh perspectives on the construction of sexual identities and practices in a postmodern world.
**Recommendation:**
“Genre : quels enjeux ? Violences, globalisation, biomédecine, sexualités” is an exceptionally well-structured and informative course. Its comprehensive coverage of key issues, presented in accessible French, makes it an invaluable resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of gender in contemporary society. The course effectively bridges theory and practice, offering critical insights that are both academically rigorous and socially relevant. Highly recommended for its depth, clarity, and crucial societal contribution.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/genre