Gender Roles Term Paper

Total Length: 1079 words ( 4 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1+

Page 1 of 4

Gender Roles

Sex is a biological given. Some animal species have one sex, some have two, and some have more than two. This is interesting to scientists perhaps, in terms of its physical construction. However, gender is what culture 'does' with these distinctions of physiology. Gender is how culture interprets the apparent biological differences between particular human bodies of different sexual anatomy. What does it mean, for instance, that a certain body may be capable of giving birth later in life, and another body may not? It is here, in the distinctions between bodies observed and imposed by our culture, where sociologists and theorists of gender identity find their theoretical interests aroused, poised for deconstructive action.

One of the most important theories posed by gender identity scholars is that the distinction of two sexes, male and female as well as the distinction of two genders, man and woman, is questionable. The existence of hermaphrodites and other bodies of indeterminate gender calls into question the bifurcation of gender as well as the division of 'sex' into male and female categories. Gender roles tend to be solidified fairly stringently in our culture along lines of male and female alone. But the existence of biological diversity as well as cultural diversity that occurs for cultural rather than physical reasons shows how arbitrary notions of both sex and gender can be. (Butler, 1990)

Even a book that attempts to analyze the construction of gender from a radical perspective, such as Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America, because of the fact it confines itself to the contemporary American experience, divides the female and male experience of sexuality in physical terms in chapters three and four, respectively, accepting the dual character of American social definitions of gender in its own construction.


Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America's highlighting, in its title of chapter ten, of 'atypical' sexual activity also implies that there is a typical form of human sexuality, against which all other sexualities will be measured. Yet in ages across human history, it was 'typical' for the same male sexual body, to cite just the ancient Athenian example, to pass through multiple gender roles. A young Greek man would go from being the passive sexual recipient of an older mentor's affection, before passing onto the role of husband and father. Then he himself would assume the male adult gendered role of one whom could enjoy multiple male and female sexual partners. Although not every body gendered 'male' in ancient Greece performed these sexual roles, this was what was culturally and physically typical of the aristocratic male-sexed gender in that culture -- in other words, gender was dependant upon age, class, and station in life as well as sexual physiology and arousal.

Even today, gender identity is not fixed, as individuals may feel as if their physical body and social roles do not encompass their true selves. It is possible to view those individuals who regard themselves as transgendered, of course, even from a feminist perspective as being so subsumed in notions of what it is to truly be a woman or a man, that socialization as to appropriate masculinity and femininity forces them to feel a conflict between outer (body) and inner self (gender….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


Related Essays

Gender Roles

males will not like the gender roles society puts on them; the same things happens to females. The following stage occurs when transgender individuals find themselves identifying with the opposite gender or sex. This stage usually involves secret or open desires to have the genitalia of the opposite sex. The next stage is to begin dressing like… Continue Reading...

Gender Roles in Traditional East Asia

Korea, and Japan. Confucius teachings affected many things in these societies including fixing gender roles between women and men. Based on these teachings, which influenced nearly every facet of life in the conventional Korean, Japanese and Chinese societies, placed women at a disadvantaged position. The teachings contributed to the development of a patriarchal environment in these societies, which worked to the disadvantaged of women. This paper examines how women exerted power and influence in a patriarchal environment in these three societies and what it teaches us about gender in the traditional East Asia. Patriarchal Environment in Traditional East Asia Family organization in the… Continue Reading...

Media Depictions of Gender Role Stereotypes

and people,” (Wood, 1994, p. 32). Different types of media capitalize on different gender roles, to promote consumer behaviors that reflect gendered patterns of spending. Advertising on television is another media form that portrays women as being homeward bound, focused on house cleaning, beauty, and child care as opposed to being interested in driving large trucks, drinking beer, or playing sports. It is not that any of these behaviors are inherently bad or problematic, but that they are not necessarily gendered behaviors. The media can often make such behaviors, appearances, and roles seem inevitable. Only when consumers start to change their own concepts… Continue Reading...

Gender and Sexuality

policymakers. Gender and sexuality have a big significance in people's lives in today's society. Sexuality encompasses gender roles and identities, sex and sexual orientation, intimacy, reproduction, pleasure and eroticism. Its expression can be found in behaviors, thoughts, roles, relationships, values, attitudes, desires and fantasies. While all these expressions characterize sexuality, an individual may not express or experience all of them. Interactions between psychological, economic, cultural, legal, ethical, religious, spiritual and biological factors influence sexuality (Ilkkaracan & Jolly). The Link between Gender and Sexuality The Institute of Development Studies defines gender as the widely shared set of norms and expectations linked to the way men and women,… Continue Reading...

Gender Equality in Arabia

reasons responsible for this situation. Firstly, these countries are all predominantly Muslim. Traditional gender roles (and stereotypes) largely exist in Islam and in countries which adhere to this faith as their national religion. Women are supposed to remain covered up in their raiment and relegated to domestic roles. The problem is that women account for approximately 50 percent of the population in the GCC countries, yet only constitute approximately 25 percent of the labor force in those countries (World Bank). Therefore, these countries are disadvantageously affected in certain aspects of economics and society because of the lack of female contributions in both of… Continue Reading...

The Role Media Plays in Relation to Gender Stereotypes

that influences the development of such gender roles as shown. The continuing shift in social positions and roles in modern day is rarely reflected by the media sources (Šramová, 2014). While the media audience is at liberty to choose what media content to follow, it is the media that possesses the ultimate power to decide the gender roles that are visible and the ones that won’t be. Such a stance is what the agenda setting, tendency by the media, theory explores. In short, he media decides what is to be talked about and what will not.… Continue Reading...

Presentation of Gender in Mary Shellys Frankenstein

shows a level of self-centeredness in his poor relationship with his closest friends and relatives. Theme 3 Female gender roles as bulwarks of the social order The major question the novel poses is if it was the abnormality of the process which created the monster or the abscondment of Frankenstein that turned it into the heartless being it became. Nevertheless, if we are to see nature… Continue Reading...

Effects of Gender Related Bullying and Harassment

and feared. Moreover, bullying behaviors can have a profound effect on the manner in which young people are socialized concerning gender roles as well as their perspectives concerning equity later in life. To determine the facts about these issues, this paper provides a review of the literature to develop a discussion concerning the issues of bullying and conflict in relation to learning about gender and other forms of equity and the implications these have for students and teachers. Finally, following this discussion, a summary of the research and important findings concerning these issues are presented in the conclusion. Review and Discussion In a school context, bullying is defined by Isernhagen… Continue Reading...

Main Themes in the Film Yentl

Gender Roles and Interactions Yentl's middle sequences with Avigdor and Yentl's romance are the best, with the lead actors doing a very fine job indeed of enacting a few beautiful affecting moments. The movie blurs the gender line with characters developing almost-homosexual attractions despite the movie essentially maintaining a conventional heterosexual sensibility. Yentl yearns only for Avigdor, although being wed to another woman. This unconsummated marriage is actually comic. As Yentl reveals her true self to Avigdor, hoping to gain his love, she clearly proves herself as heterosexual (Rigney, 2003).… Continue Reading...

Film Talk to Her by Pedro Almodovar

particularly effective here and almost becomes a frame narrative. Personal Interpretation & Director's message Gender roles and stereotypes are refreshingly nuanced in Habla con Ella. Right from the beginning, the audience is aware that Almodovar has transcended gender binaries and rigid stereotypes because Marco is passionate and emotional; he even allows himself to cry. Benigno also has no qualms about telling Alicia's father he is gay, which is ironic given that Benigno is actually in love with Alicia. Then, Almodovar develops the character of a female matador -- something that is almost unheard of, to the point where it is practically an oxymoron. A… Continue Reading...

Alternative Sexuality in Mainstream Media

can be a fluid construct. It also highlights the extent to which gender roles can be mutable in the strength shown by female as well as male dancers in the dance, and the softness male dancers likewise can communicate in their responsiveness to the music. If heteronormativity… Continue Reading...

The Glass Ceiling Effect

proper behavior, attitudes, and activities of males and females” when it comes to gender roles in society (slide 4). Trump was able to maneuver these expectations adequately enough to win the White House: he came across as a strong masculine leader, despised by half of Americans, loved by the other half. Hillary, on the other hand, came across as confident and strong in her way too—but also despised by half and loved by the other half. Many people, however, did not want her to lead because they did not like her husband and did not like her condescending attitudes at expressions at time—for… Continue Reading...

The Relevance of Anthropology Today

still remains unresolved with respect to extent to which the environment influences modern gender roles, most especially those included in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and queer (LGBTQ) communities. This paper provides a review of the relevant literature concerning these issues, together with support for the guiding hypothesis which is discussed further below. Finally, a summary of the research and key findings concerning the usefulness of anthropology in a globalized society are presented in the conclusion. Review and Analysis For the purpose of this study, the guiding hypothesis would be that the combination of biological as well as environment factors is the more… Continue Reading...

Adolescent Development and Film Breakfast Club

stage for any individual. At this stage, individuals not only experience biological changes, but also become more aware of gender roles and expectations and experience cognitive development. Family and school become social incubators that trigger changes and psychosocial responses in adolescents. The film The Breakfast Club shows how a group of five adolescents go through critical changes in this stage of their life. This paper will highlight the developmental markers observed in one character depicted the film, Claire. Clare will be used as a case study to explore developmental issues related to gender, biology, and cognition. The paper also highlights various socialization agents (specifically school and family) and how… Continue Reading...

Feminism Article Review

interview and most of them had a different perception of gender roles. The author conducted a study with a group of 20 undergraduate students who were taking Women's Studies within the university. The participants were from different cultural backgrounds i.e. Anglo-Australia, Croatia, German, Greek, New Zealand, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Italy, Malta, and Vietnam and they were all aged between 17 years and 20 years. The purpose of the study was to establish the perception change on gender within the society and individually. From the article, it is clear that most of the women believe they had more freedom than their… Continue Reading...

Cultural Interaction and American Revolution

and the possibilities of misunderstanding. There are significant cultural differences in perceptions of time, communication styles and gender roles between the two cultures. When I feel hungry among these people with a very different culture, I will choose to go to a restaurant. This is based on the knowledge about restaurants as universally accepted eating places across all cultures. In my interaction, language is likely to be a barrier to communication (Fontaine, 2007). For effective communication, I will seek a person from that culture who understands my language to interpret my request and guide me through the culturally acceptable foods within that culture. An example of miscommunication… Continue Reading...

Women in Positions of Leadership in Business

Memo” incident shows how determined Wojcicki is to transform gender roles, norms, and organizational cultures in all business sectors. Wojcicki started out as Google’s marketing manager and fought her way through the “boys’ club” of what is now one of the world’s biggest firms in any sector (Wojcicki, 2017). Whereas many would have quit in the face of rampant covert and overt forms of discrimination and harassment, Wojcicki pressed on. As she points out in an article written for Vanity Fair, explicit gender discrimination is easy to detect and to point out for its illegality. The real problem with… Continue Reading...

Feminism in Frankenstein Introduction

male and female gender roles. Women play supportive roles at best in the novel, as if deliberately drawing attention to their lack of political power or status. Shelley herself states of her origins as a writer, "I was not confined to my own identity," (16). By this, Shelley means that she refused to conform to gender codes and stereotypes, partly because she had long been a part of progressive literary circles and views herself -- outright affirms herself -- as an equal… Continue Reading...

Emotional Development of Children

to think about politics, how to view gender roles or how to view different races or ethnicities. For children, the emotions and the regulation of the emotions are the main behaviors that are learned through socialization (Raval & Walker, 2019). Children perceive how others react in certain situations, and they imitate their behavioral responses often in similar contexts and situations (Raval & Walker, 2019). They are especially attentive to how their parents demonstrate emotion, which is why there are two main parental emotional socialization strategies that parents typically use: their emotional expressiveness and their reactions to children’s… Continue Reading...

sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gender Roles" (2004, October 06) Retrieved May 2, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gender-roles-176447

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gender Roles" 06 October 2004. Web.2 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gender-roles-176447>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Gender Roles", 06 October 2004, Accessed.2 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/gender-roles-176447