Students Reflect on the Intersection of Sex, Gender, and Genocide from a Social-Psychological Perspective

Abstract

Insights from social psychology students’ experiences in the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) /Kupferberg Holocaust Center (KHC) Colloquium Series, “Gender, Mass Violence, and Genocide,” are shared. In addition to attending at least one event during the fall 2015 semester, students completed a reflection identifying ways gender and violence intersect during genocide and drawing on specific historical examples given during the series. Students focused on how gender was reflected in language used by genocidal regimes and in the specific forms of violence that were waged against victims. Students integrated theory with details from the series to develop a fresh perspective in genocide analysis. This chapter highlights students’ impressions of their learning, as well as reflections on the ways in which engagement with the series enriched the course experience for the participants and instructor.

Appendix: Additional Homework Assignment: Gender & Genocide Colloquia, KHC

As part of Dr. Aalai’s participation in the Gender & Genocide Colloquia this academic year, in addition to being required to attend the December 2 panel discussion (see Syllabus for details) that she will be on (students will also earn extra credit for attendance), students are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to attend at least one more event this semester (5 extra credit points will be earned for attendance to each event). In conjunction with attendance at these events and in class lecture, students will be asked to construct a 2–4-page paper that follows the American Psychological Association (APA) format and the regular guidelines of written assignments in answering the following questions:

• Identify AT LEAST THREE specific ways in which sex and gender intersect with genocide

  • Offer examples from specific genocides (e.g., the Holocaust), as applicable

• In reflecting on the notion that men and women experience genocide differently, one scholar famously remarked, “different horrors, same hell.” What does this refrain mean to you, and how can you relate it to at least one of the programs from this semester?

• In what ways does the language used during genocide reflect the fusion of gender with this type of atrocity? Use specific examples as applicable, and consider such genocidal practices as dehumanization , propaganda, and persuasion techniques.

• Open comments

  • This is an opportunity for you to reflect on any facet of this program this semester that has resonated with you, that you would like to relate in the context of this discussion, or that you found to be particular compelling or perhaps had questions about.

Please note that Homework 2 is also related to Warfare & Genocide, and, as such, that assignment can be completed in tandem with this one (see Syllabus for details). This assignment must be submitted by Monday, December 7. Please note that Homework 2 is also due during this week, so students who would like to complete this assignment earlier can submit it before this due date. This assignment will be worth 20 reflection points.