[HPforGrownups] Nel Question #9: Gender

[manawydan]

No: HPFGUIDX 127434

Debbie posed the question:
> 3.  JKR stated in an interview, "Although it is true that you do have
> a headmaster as opposed to a headmistress, but that has not always
> been the case. As you will find out, there have been equal numbers of
> headmistresses."
> http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/articles/2000/1000-cbc-rogers.htm
> QTTA and FBAWTFT also mention women ministers of magic going back to
> the 14th century.  Do you think the books themselves convey the same
> impression of equal representation in education?  In government?

Stepping back in Potterverse history: is there any way that women in the WW
could have been rendered subordinate to men in the way that women were in
our own world?

As magical ability doesn't appear to go up along with physical strength, I'd
suggest that the answer is no.

If so, then once a seperate WW has established itself and is in a position
to operate its own rules, there is no question of female subordination.

Equal magical ability automatically gives certain protections. A far longer
life span, combined with a period of childhood comparable with Muggles,
means that the length of time spent on motherhood is potentially far less.

Add to that the canon evidence of prominent women in the WW (eg two of the
four Founders) and you've got the foundation for far greater equality than
our world has even today.

Cheers

FFred

O Benryn wleth hyd Luch Reon
Cymru yn unfryd gerhyd Wrion
Gwret dy Cymry yghymeiri