Gender is a social construction much like race is. We learn to be feminine and masculine based on the social constructs that each society value (beauty, virginity, thinness, nurturing, etc. Males, as tough, emotionless, providers, big wallets, etc. In doing so, our social institutions play a micro (social learning), and macro (institutionalization), by adopting norms, expectations, and laws that reinforce gender roles. Our sex is biological, but there are genetic mutations that lead to sex abnormalities. (That is a subject for human sexuality)
- Examine a social learning aspect in gender role socialization from your textbook, and it’s diversity as it applies to American society.
a). How did or does your own family reinforce such norms? (religion, family (uncles, aunts, cousins), media, magazines, movies, education, social class, etc)
b). Do you accept it or are you defiant?
c). Are there double standards in your family on members of the opposite sex?
Take a look at what media scholar Jean Kilbourne says in this short video clip of her famous documentaries “Killing Us Softly” click here: Link
- You are all in college, by looking at figures in your book: (10.2, College Enrollment, by Sex), College Students by Sex and Race-Ethncity Figure 10.3) it’s clear that women are attaining higher levels of education across the board. So, why is there such a gender-wage gap (Figure 10.7 The Gender Pa Gap, by Education). Here you must identify the role of the economy and the value it places on socializing women into gender segregated fields. Why is the different Feminist Movement significant?
Women’s March.jpg
- How can the Sociological Theories help us examine this, and explore solutions?