Sociology: Thoughts on Gender | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Sociology: Thoughts on Gender

A sociological perspective that comes through reading can be a valuable perspective.

17
Sociology: Thoughts on Gender
youtube.com

Essentialist see gender as something to be scientifically figured out not relating to gender culturally, and while constructionalists are better at seeing the possibilities of a gender identity, they still classify what it means to be masculine or feminine when breaking down people into categories with their genders. This is also an incorrect way to categorize people because it is once again dragging gender stereotypes* into the situation.

All of the above contribute to the sexual orientation of individuals as they struggle to find their attraction and themselves as a person. Putting a limit on such categories such as heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality or asexuality seems inevitable, so instead of dropping these people into categories accepting them for being who they identify as a person is the best way to see each other as equals allowing them to judge themselves in the changing times.

A main point under gender identification and sexual identification would be the socialization under each, which I blatantly feel is most interpreted through the media. Looking at the failed impact of gender role socialization leads me to believe that it is rooted into children where they belong because of their family members; the conscious effort to function certain behaviors in children. Through observation, imitation, and play, gender stereotyped* behaviors are achieved, and roots itself all the way up from how kids do chores, to life lessons, to adulthood actions, to marriage because a heterosexual marriage was the only thing deemed normal because of the only two classifications that gender was placed under. It is a cause and effect for the way our laws and how are society functions throughout history is gender stereotyped* into our brains long from the moment we were born. School systems under the gender and sexuality crisis are interesting because they are known for their favoritism in men, yet they are the ones with the misbehavior. While girls are the ones doing better academically yet are mostly only encouraged to look good. It sounds as if men are treated as spoiled brats from the start while women are treated less efficiently, but I think that gives them all the more moral stability to conquer challenges. It is noticed here again that the media paints a picture here for both genders, encouraging men to be successful and women to be perfect physically from adolescence. Looking at other evidence from the article, “A Threat in the Air” by Claude M. Steele, because of family and schools and the relentless media pouring down on the generation, a stereotype threat is created creating more possibilities for a negative impact on intellectual functioning and identity development. There will be a fear of judgement based on the cultural stereotype functioned into our minds from the very start of our existence through our upbringing. The peer influence I believe ties into schools and how we are functioned it the beginning to play with certain things and in the same sexed groups. Yet it all ties back down to the media and how the media categorizes “how gender fits into society” (Barner 1999) Reflecting further into the media section, and how, “Girls should be beautiful, caring, sensitive, and reserved, while boys should be assertive, strong, and analytic.”, the article “Cutting Girls Down To Size In Advertising” by Jean Kilbourne, where thinness is the proper size for a woman, make a point that girls are being taught to believe through the media that we are meant to look, dress, act and be all this specific classifications of things that deem us to be “lady-like”.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1488
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16324
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3422
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments