“The Egg and the Sperm” by Martin: Article Review

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Martin’s “The Egg and the Sperm” examines the impact that cultural language contributes to reproductive biology, a field in which a majority assume that factors other than human influence are at play. Martin’s main point is that societal misconceptions are being integrated into our comprehension of natural sciences. This contributes to the belief that inaccurate stereotypes have a “natural explanation.” By looking into the wording of significant medical and clinical books and analyzing the social ramifications of the language used within the text, the author intends to criticize the usage of metaphors as well as the embodiment of the egg and the sperm. This paper seeks to review the article “The Egg and The Sperm” and expound on its relevance in modern society.

Martin (1991) begins by demonstrating that respected scientific textbooks contain a plethora of metaphors that frame the reproductive system of men as a biological masterpiece in contrast to derogatory depictions of the female system. Sperm are considered to be numerous and persistent, whereas eggs are considered to be few and restricted in number. In comparison to the male reproductive process, which is lauded for its presumed executive ability to complete its “mission,” menstruation is portrayed as a pointless activity, ovaries are seen as merely there, and ova are seen as assets that are gradually losing their value. The conventional notions of sex and gender that are associated with these descriptors function hand in hand. Unlike the egg, which plays a more passive function in the reproductive process, the sperms are considered to be the more active component. The egg can play the role of either the victor or the damsel in distress while the sperm is portrayed as the heroic aggressor in its mission to either conquer or save.

Even if researchers were attempting to pursue more equitable words, new preconceptions are beginning to appear in the scientific literature. The image of the female reproductive system as a “damsel” has been replaced with that of a black widow figure. This represents a shift from the traditional depiction of the female reproductive system as a submissive figure to that of an aggressive one that is intended to trap the sperm. Martin (1991) points out how these new accounts diverge from one destructive myth to another, rather than academics simply acknowledging the active role that the egg plays in the reproduction process. The inference here is that these societal preconceptions are subsequently considered to be scientific facts and that they are an indelible component of our natural comprehension.

Martin concludes that we should be more aware of the projections that are present in cultural iconography. These projections not only influence our knowledge of nature, but they also influence the acts and behaviors that are viewed as natural. By becoming conscious of this kind of picture, it is possible to denaturalize the social prejudices that are associated with gender. Her approach assists readers in understanding the hidden preconceptions that are present in unanticipated areas such as science. It enlightens us to comprehend how women are regarded as being inferior to anything on a fundamental level by providing this information. When it comes to how ladies are viewed in culture, society, and science, the terms that Martin (1991) sees incorporated in scientific conclusions are disturbing. If we follow the author’s suggestion and use derogatory language to describe male reproductive systems in comparison to those of women, we will then be able to understand how language influences us in the way that the author intends.

Lie (2022) appreciates how Martin deconstructs the myth surrounding the ova and the sperms and the language around it. This language impact extends further than a dishonest notion that may be brought about by a biased experiment, such as asserting. The usage of such metaphors as if they were scientific facts and the ramifications they had for the real world. Take, for instance, the case of the American politician Todd Akin, who stated that it is rare for victims of rape to become pregnant since the bodies of women have natural ways to avoid undesired pregnancies (Norwood, 2021). Looking at certain components of the reproductive processes of both men and women reveals more than what is first apparent. Because of the power that language holds, normalizing the prejudices that are prevalent in the culture can be detrimental to the political strength of women in a society where sexual and gender inequity still exists. Martin discusses this issue as well, pointing out that granting personhood to these sexual organs could have a direct impact on a woman’s ability to make their own decisions in exchange for more restrictive legislation governing a woman’s right to have an abortion.

Martin (1991) is significant as she believes that every member of society harbors the hope that they will one day have equal opportunities and access to the resources that are available to them, but there is a lot of discrimination. Discrimination of this kind can occur for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, disparities in culture and geography, the individual’s skin color, socioeconomic standing, and even gender. Inequality between the sexes is by far the most common kind of discrimination. This is not a problem that is confined to a certain region or only a few aspects of life, but rather it is a problem that exists everywhere in the world. Even in more progressive societies and top-tier organizations, there are still many instances where gender bias is present.

The only way to truly establish equality between the sexes is to ensure that men and women are treated in the same manner. However, prejudice is a social problem that contributes to the formation of divisions. People should instead focus on working together to solve social difficulties (Shinbrot, Wilkins, Gretzel, & Bowser, 2019). Since the beginning of time, all of society has been plagued by the same pervasive social stigma, which continues to weaken its foundation. This phenomenon has also been observed in cases depending on gender. As men and women collaborate across all fields to rewrite human history, inequity between the sexes is becoming outdated.

Today, women and men alike are afforded the same rights and opportunities. The paradigm is shifting in a way that is both gradual and consistent. People have a greater awareness of their entitlements and the things to pursue in free societies. If all people participate equally in society and hold the same positions as males, exclusive social progress is achieved and a milestone is established (Shinbrot et al., 2019). When a society has achieved gender equality, members of both sexes have access to the same opportunities. Even within the context of a single household, when male and female individuals are regarded in the same manner, there is no better environment in which to develop one’s potential, acquire new skills, and contribute significantly more value.

Initially, women were expected to stay at home and take care of everyone while men went out to find work to provide for their families. This was a requirement of the traditional social system, according to Shinbrot et al. (2019). When the outside world was deemed too dangerous, people have done this for generations. Now that the times have changed and we have effectively made our society quite a bit safer, women are in a position to take the initiative, receive an education, pursue their passions, bring economic balance to their homes, and share the responsibility of raising children with men. When taken together, these factors will have the effect of accelerating and improving the rate at which a society develops.

In conclusion, Martin’s “The egg and the sperm” article is an eye-opener of the stereotyping meted upon women. Their reproductive system is put under scrutiny and used as a weapon to portray women as passive beings in this world. This perception was further justified by US Senator Todd with some insensitive remarks about women, rape, and unwanted pregnancies. The article is relevant in the modern world and has helped rid society of misguided stereotypes that were believed to be scientifically factual. It has been used by modern researchers as proof of how impersonation of the sperms and ova have been used to look down on women’s potential. It acted as an eye-opener for society to reflect on. However, the world is slowly shifting from this stereotype and women are more appreciated. Women have a lot to offer to society.

References

Lie, M. (2022). Feminist Technoscience and New Imaginaries of Human Reproduction. In The Palgrave Handbook of the Anthropology of Technology (pp. 105-123). Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore.

Martin, E. (1991). The egg and the sperm: How science has constructed a romance based on stereotypical male-female roles. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 16(3), 485-501.

Norwood, C. (2021). Misrepresenting Reproductive Justice: A Black Feminist Critique of “Protecting Black Life”. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 46(3), 715-741. Web.

Shinbrot, X. A., Wilkins, K., Gretzel, U., & Bowser, G. (2019). Unlocking women’s sustainability leadership potential: Perceptions of contributions and challenges for women in sustainable development.World Development, 119, 120-132. Web.

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“The Egg and the Sperm” by Martin: Article Review

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