'21 Reasons Why Gender Matters' Examines Gender Disorientation Pathology And Social Policy
By Mike Hatfield
October 22, 2007 - The Fatherhood Foundation in New South Wales (NSW) has recently published 21 Reasons Why Gender Matters.The study is based upon four foundational principles: 1. Gender differences exist; 2. Acknowledging gender differences is the only intellectually honest response to this reality; 3. Gender differences are complementary; 4. Gender disorientation exists in a small minority of individuals. It is not normative and should not drive social policies. The 21 reasons are summarized below:
- Gender uniqueness and complementarity means that each gender has a unique contribution that can't be filled by the other.
- Acknowledging gender differences helps children learn more effectively.
- Men and women are happier when they recognize these gender differences.
- The masculine gender is an essential ingredient for fatherhood.
- The feminine gender is an essential ingredient for motherhood.
- Marriage is the best way for men and women to enjoy complementarity.
- Gender complementarity in a life-long marriage is essential for the continuation of humanity.
- Gender complementarity in marriage is needed for a healthy, stable society.
- Gender complementarity in marriage between a man and woman is good for the economy.
- Marriage between a man and woman is the foundation of a successful family and best way to protect children.
- Gender complementarity in marriage is the best way to teach children about the value of gender.
- Gender is important in understanding the significance of manhood.
- Gender is important in understanding the significance of womanhood.
- In healthy societies, gender complementarity is celebrated; societies rejecting this face harmful consequences.
- Healthy gender development prevents individuals from developing compulsive obsessive disorders leading to sexual addiction and other pathologies.
- Gender disorientation pathology is a symptom of family dysfunction, personality disorder, father absence, health malfunction or sexual abuse.
- Gender disorientation pathology will lead to increased levels of drug abuse and partner violence.
- Gender disorientation pathology will increase the risk of communicable disease and bad health.
- Gender disorientation pathology will decrease life expectancy.
- Gender disorientation pathology is preventable and treatable.
- Gender disorientation pathology encourages the sexual and psychological exploitation of children.
The authors note: "Given the importance of the two genders, it is imperative to promote heterosexual marriage and the biological two-parent family. The evidence makes it clear that these two institutions provide the best environment for individuals, for societies, and for children."
Courtesy of NARTH
2 comments:
Wow!
I was so disappointed to see this on anything with any connection to the Catholic church!
I am a mother, community member, teacher and devout Catholic. I have taught catechism since I was 13 and in college was even employed by my school's diocese as a Peer Minister. I have spent the last 3 years of my life working with victims of domestic and sexual violence, and currently focus on the prevention/intervention of this interpersonal violence with youth.
This piece that you have cited is extremely dangerous to both males and females in our society!! It is not research-based and there is no such thing as 'Gender Disorientation Pathology"!! This is based on very fundamentalist beliefs that serve only to categorize men and women and to perpetuate the gender-based violence that is so entrenched in our society! It is directly contrary to the very basic Catholic tenet of the DIGNITY OF ALL PERSONS.
Please, both for the sake of the readers that look to you as a source of credible information and guidance and for your children whose healthy and safe development is dependent on you - remove this from your site.
Meena
Sorry I missed this comment again but I now have recent comments working to help me keep up.
Meena, what is your alternate vision to the correct understanding of gender as the Catholic Church sees it? Where in the article do the finding promote "gender-based violence"? I can see this is a subject you feel very passionate about. Do you think it is wrong for Catholic groups like Courage to provide counseling to people with homosexual feelings to help them overcome these temptations(which can often occur due to childhood trauma)? If you have seen studies that contradict these finding please cite them.
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