Which of the following attributes of society, concerning the objectification of women's bodies, are NOT accepted by feminist critics?

1. A. Beauty contests commodify women's bodies for the male gaze.
2. B. All women suffer from 'penis envy'.
3. C. Cosmetic surgery and adornment become 'feminine' modes.
4. D. The nation is imaged as a woman's body needing male protection.
5. E. Men are rational while women are irrational or emotional.

1. A(D) and (E) only
2. B(B) and (E) only
3. C(C) and (E) only
4. D(B) and (D) only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. (B) and (E) only

Explanation

Feminist critics accept A, C and D as descriptions of how bodies are objectified. They reject Freud's 'penis envy' as biological determinism, and reject the rational-man/emotional-woman binary as a patriarchal construct.