Is Misogyny Underlying The Protection Of Women And Girls? Mhairi Black's Perspective

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Mhairi Black's Critique of "Protectionist" Measures

Mhairi Black's critique centers on the limitations of policies that focus primarily on managing women's behavior rather than holding perpetrators accountable. She argues that such an approach not only fails to address the root causes of violence against women but also reinforces harmful gender stereotypes.

• Examples of Criticized Policies: Black likely critiques policies that emphasize self-defense training for women, ignoring the systemic issues of patriarchal violence. Another example might be policies that focus solely on women's dress or behavior, thereby blaming the victim instead of addressing the actions of the perpetrator.
• Inadvertent Harm: These policies can lead to victim-blaming, discourage reporting of assaults, and ultimately leave women feeling less safe and empowered. The focus shifts from addressing the violence itself to managing women's responses to it.
• Underlying Misogynistic Assumptions: Black likely highlights the underlying assumption that women are inherently vulnerable and require constant protection, perpetuating a narrative of female weakness and male dominance. This assumption ignores the agency and resilience of women and diminishes the severity of the issue.

The Role of Paternalistic Attitudes

Paternalistic attitudes towards women significantly influence the design and implementation of “protective” measures. This paternalism manifests in various ways, often subtly undermining women's agency and autonomy.

• Paternalistic Language in Policy: Policy discussions might employ language that frames women as needing to be "protected" or "saved," implying a lack of capacity for self-determination. This language reinforces the idea of women as dependent and incapable.
• Undermining Female Autonomy: Policies that dictate women's choices – such as controlling their reproductive rights or restricting their movement – are prime examples of paternalistic interference. These actions deny women the autonomy to make decisions about their own bodies and lives.
• Reinforcement of Gender Stereotypes: By framing women as inherently fragile and in need of male protection, these policies reinforce deeply ingrained gender stereotypes. This, in turn, perpetuates gender inequality and limits women's opportunities. The very structure of patriarchy is subtly, yet powerfully, reinforced. This feeds into the larger issue of gender inequality. True female autonomy is impossible under such systems.

Intersectionality and the Limitations of Single-Issue Approaches

Approaches that focus solely on gender often fail to account for the intersecting oppressions faced by women from diverse backgrounds. This oversight limits the effectiveness of policies and can even disadvantage certain groups of women.

• Disadvantageous Policies: Policies designed with the needs of white, middle-class women in mind might fail to address the unique challenges faced by women of color, disabled women, LGBTQ+ women, or women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. These single-issue approaches neglect the complexities of intersectionality.
• Black's Perspective on Inclusive Solutions: Black likely advocates for policies that consider the lived experiences of all women and address the multitude of factors contributing to their vulnerability. This involves recognizing how race, class, sexuality, and disability intersect with gender to shape a woman's experience of violence and oppression.
• Inclusive Policies: The path forward demands the development of truly inclusive policies that cater to the specific needs of marginalized women, acknowledging that their struggles are multifaceted and cannot be reduced to a single dimension. Ignoring the issue of marginalized women leads to ineffective solutions.

Alternative Approaches Focused on Systemic Change

Mhairi Black, and other feminist thinkers, likely advocate for a shift away from individualistic, reactive approaches towards systemic solutions that address the root causes of violence against women.

• Addressing Root Causes: This involves dismantling patriarchal structures, challenging societal norms that condone violence against women, and addressing broader societal inequalities. Tackling the underlying issue of patriarchy is vital.
• Empowerment through Education and Opportunity: Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and access to resources strengthens their resilience and reduces their vulnerability. This empowers women and challenges the systemic inequality that enables violence.
• Holding Perpetrators Accountable: A critical component of systemic change is holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. This requires robust legal frameworks, effective law enforcement, and supportive judicial processes. This creates real accountability for perpetrators and helps drive systemic change. This emphasis on holding perpetrators accountable is vital for achieving true feminist policies.

Conclusion

Mhairi Black's perspective compels us to critically examine the ways in which well-intentioned initiatives can, due to their underlying assumptions, fail to effectively address violence against women. The central question – Is misogyny underlying the protection of women and girls? – demands a resounding "yes" in many instances. We've seen how paternalistic attitudes and a focus on individual behavior rather than systemic change perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder true progress towards gender equality. Moving forward requires a paradigm shift, embracing alternative approaches focused on systemic change. We must move beyond inadequate and often misogynistic "protection" and towards strategies that promote genuine empowerment and accountability. To learn more, explore resources from organizations working to end gender-based violence and advocate for Addressing Misogyny in Women’s Protection, effectively rethinking women's protection policies, and moving beyond misogynistic protection. Let us work together towards a future where all women are safe and empowered.