"The Tradition Effect" by Dicle Kogacioglu talks about how honor crime which means the murder of a woman by family members who do not approve of her sexual behavior is considered a "tradition" in Turkey. From 1994-1996, 53 women were victims of honor crime. This type of violence against women is justified by "tradition", in which the author does not agree with. Kogacioglu critiques how men have the protection from the law and if men are victims they are prioritized. As for women, they do not have the same nor are protected like men are. Honor crimes and the traditions they show are different, depending on the political struggles and different institutions; for example the Turkish government. There is a clear differentiation between how men and women and treated. This honor crime should not be allowed, the murder of a women should never be justified as tradition. It is unfair, unhumane and unacceptable it is not a traditional act nor should be tied with tradition.
Cynthia Enloe's article "Upholding the Gender Empire" elaborates on the problems the military has on women in Iraq and Afghanistan. The military as an institution has control, the dominant masculinity takes over and has control over women. Women are affected in the military more than we know, Enloe wants to shine a light on this topic so more people are aware of what goes on in that institution. Women do not have the same rights as men and the issue concerning women get swept under the rug.
Both these readings had interesting views on how institutions treat women, although I personally thought "The Tradition Effect" was a better read. My question would be, when will these institutions treat women equally and protect them as much as they protect men? These institutions try to justify everything they do and never change. It is very disturbing that "honor crime" is allowed and that the government does not do anything to defend women from this horrific act.
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