MoSO Purpose

The purpose of the MoSO is to encourage discussion, debate, and dialogue concerning everyday objects that promote sexist attitudes, discriminatory practices, and gendered violence.

The MoSO contains examples of stereotypes that are overlooked, unquestioned, and commonly accepted. It counters the notion that sexism is a thing of the past, and draws from the countless ways that it remains an identifiable social phenomenon. The purpose of the MoSO collection is to present an abundance of evidence that sexist objects and attitudes still predominate in our culture.

As students and other visitors evaluate the artifacts they have the chance to engage with one another and to learn from perspectives that vary according to age, gender, and life experiences.

Questions that visitors can ask themselves and each other as they tour the Museum include:

• When you look at an object, what do you see?
• What message does it send?
• Do you see evidence in today’s society that the message is accepted?
• Is it sexist? If so, how and why?
• How does the object relate to your academic discipline, major, or profession?
• How does it relate to your life story?
• What stereotypes of women do you find here in the Museum?
• How can the Museum inspire activism?