Gender Social Construction

Throughout this course, we have discussed how the differences in the social construction of gender, race, class, and sexuality have led to discrimination and inequality of those classified under a variety of these categories. Through understanding the significance of these social constructs on society it becomes apparent the intersectionality they have when it comes to understanding why certain groups may face discrimination or inequality. This paper examines gender inequality and how the social construction of gender makes it difficult for the pursuit of equality amongst genders.

So if one guy called another guy a “fag” it is not necessarily to say that he is literally gay; it’s a charge that he is not being “a real man”. In essence the word “fag” is not only a homophobic slur, it is a homophobic slur that also attacks behavior as not being masculine. This is why Pascoe used the phrase gendered homophobia throughout the book to describe the masculinity the male students showed on a daily basis.

As humans we nurture newborns and associate them with their gender immediately. Whether this be the colors concerning their gender before they are even born, their clothing as a baby, even the toys we supply them with as children, humans gravitate naturally to associate certain characteristics with gender. Unknowingly, parents find themselves setting their

The word “fag” has nothing to do with sexual orientation, instead it is used as a way for other males identifying people to assert their masculinity. Pascoe explains that what is considered masculine and feminine which are, essentially, gender roles is accomplished through day to day interactions. These categorization of gender roles are perpetuated in the society and it is why cheerleading is

Every Christmas morning as a child, I would be disappointed because I would always get toys that I didn’t like. My mom scolded at me for being ungrateful as I would complain that Barbie dolls wasn’t what I wanted for Christmas. My mom replied, “Barbie dolls are what girls are supposed to have. Girls don’t play with Transformers or Power Rangers. You aren’t a boy!” As a child, I didn’t understand what she meant. Acting like a boy wasn’t my intention, as I simply expressed that I would rather have action figures instead. I was simply blinded by the fact that there was a social construct happening, and realized the social constructivism of gender roles. As the troublemaker child that I was, I disagreed with her. Instead I had these questions like,

In this meme it show a women that looks like your stereotype hippie. She is use to personify the people who believe that “thinks gender is a social construct with no basis in biology” and “thinks conservation are science deniers”. The creator use humor to make fun of the people who believe that gender is a social construct and thinks the right wing are the one who science deniers but it is the ones who believe that gender is a social construct are the real science deniers. They are the real science deniers because gender is not a social construct it has basis in biology. The kind of humor style that is use in this is aggressive humor to mock the people that believe the idea that gender is a social construct. The supporters of the idea that gender is a social construct said that gender is taught to us by society and we are socialize into gender roles. I am going to go in details about why the idea that gender is a social construct is a myth by taking a look at gender socialization theory and what the experts who support it said the evident is.

Gender is among several concepts taught from birth that eventually become our nature. The degree of inequality between men and women has varied among a wide range of cultures, but has ultimately constructed a glass ceiling for women. While the United States has experienced progressive change towards gender equality, other areas have yet to advance. The social construction of gender has shaped different mentalities, even in recreational aspects of culture. I recognized this after attending a local Salsa dancing event for the student body.

GENDER ROLES ARE SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED Gender and sex are commonly mistaken for the same thing however, gender refers to “the attitudes feelings and behaviours that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex”. (APA, 2011) Whilst sex “refers to a person’s biological status and is typically categorised as male, female or intersex”. (APA, 2011) Since gender refers to the acts and behaviours of a person gender roles are basically a set of social norms (including behaviours and acts) that are based on an individual’s sex.

The word gender can be described as the state of being male or female and is typically used to describe cultural differences as opposed to biological ones. Additionally, the definition of gender has continuously been a controversial issue due to its lack of clarity in regards to battling complicated social injustices. Furthermore, the construction of gender as a social category has recently been criticized for the lack of inclusiveness to women of color and the consistent habit to view both gender and race as restrictive divisions of experience and reasoning. Seeing those criticisms has led to the development of the term intersectionality which deals with various layers of subjection that women live with and addresses more than just the

At a very young age we are introduced to a gender identity based upon the sex we were born with. Girls are associated with the color pink, dolls, nurturing tendencies, and inclined to be more emotional. While boys are associated with the color blue, the nature of masculinity, sports, and said to be more outspoken. However, gender and sex are two different things. Sex is the biological differences between female and male, while gender is social construct attached with social roles

It is undeniable that socially constructed gender norms reinforce the ingrained patriarchal ideology that runs rampant throughout society. Indeed, our society has established strict roles which essentially determine how individuals are expected to act, speak, dress, and conduct themselves based upon their assigned sex. These films highlight the societal impact of gender norms and gender stereotyping that is internalized early in life and continues to be entrenched within society through generational customs as well as various forms of media and entertainment, such as advertisements, movies, video games, and so forth.

Race is a system of categories put in place by society in order to make each individual fit into a certain social group. It is due to societies implementation of such a system that individuals in these racial categories do not always look at each other as equals, causing a race to not always identify themselves as a homogenous front. This essay will delve into the poetry of a popular Def Jam spoken word artist Black Ice, whose piece Bigger Than Mine looks into the dualism within Black society in the United States with an undertone of what it means to a man. A schism as described by Black Ice being between two distinct groups, Blacks and “Niggas”.

According to social construction theory, gender is formed by our own beliefs and actions. For instance, many people would believe a farming job would be for a male but it can also be a female job as well. Usually women do house work while men do other duties outside such as landscaping. The definition of gender clearly states ‘“ the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex or one’s sex.”’. (Lecture 3, Page 2). Many people would believe that gender has to do with gonads or reproduction organs but it actually refers how an individual clearly view themselves. A female could be born by sex but then could identify the gender as a male because in their life, there could be masculine acts involved. Other words, socially constructed also means that “society or culture creates an idea, a physical object, a

The way society is taught to be socialized is salient and goes unnoticed, therefore it is valid to claim that gender is socially constructed through our everyday practices, whether we are aware of the construction or not. With socialization beginning the instant a child is born, the process is continuous through out adolescence and varies dramatically across the two genders. With guidance from institutions and arenas such as education, sports, music and the mass media gender seems to be coerced, as it comes with a scripted set of behaviors and attitudes. This essay argues that gender is socially constructed on an everyday basis. To further explain this thesis the essay will draw on early childhood socialization of masculinity and femininity,

Gender inequalities blind a doctor to the voice of a patient, creating a relationship of unequal power. This constructed inequity within social relations grants power to anyone in an authoritative position. For instance, in “The Yellow Wallpaper,” Charlotte Gilman assesses the male physician’s, John, role in enforcing the rest cure, where the woman’s opinions are not considered. John draws power from his status as a husband and a doctor to impose the treatment. Likewise, in Just Fine, Elizabeth Primamore criticizes the physician implementing the chemotherapy, where he dismisses Diana’s opposing view. The doctor, even including the police officers, have more authoritative power over Diana due to their elevated position. From the doctors’ viewpoint,