Which seems more likely to you: that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented, or that gender roles are biologically inherent and naturally adopted? Why?
In my opinion, the most likely seems that gender roles are biologically inherent and naturally adopted. I believe this because males are born with more testosterone than females and due to that, males are more aggressive and want to be the enforcer. The same with females, they are born with lower levels of testosterone so they aren't more aggressive and want to be the enforcer or stronger person. Then from there on I feel that society just pushes it even more by telling males you are dominate and should be more successful than females and for females they should stay in the home and be the nurturer.
Personally, I believe gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. I think that the reason people don't do certain things is because they learn from growing up that it isn't right for someone of their gender to act in such a way. For example, if a man likes to share his emotions, people find that really weird and criticize him. I do believe that biology is a factor in gender roles, however I don't think it influences them as much as society. Society takes the aspects of the average man or woman and expects everyone to act in that manner.
This is a very interesting and tough question to answer. I do believe that biology has something to do with gender role behaviors however, i would have to say that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. The reason behind my belief is simple. You are how you're brought up. There is no doctor or scientist out there that can do any sort of test on new born babies and even have a slight clue about what that babies personality or gender roles will be. Gender roles are learned from a very young age, starting with you parents. Let us think for a second; when you are born it is your parents that decide what is acceptable for you to wear, eat, and play with. As you get older and older, society starts to influence you more and more. That is why I believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented.
To me, I feel that gender roles lean more towards biological and inherent then socially constructed. When younger boys grow up they get more and more testosterone, and seem to all want to stick to a specific type of sport, toy, etc. While girls age with more estrogen and it increases as they age. Again girls seem to stick to specific toys and activities.
On the other hand, what I am saying could be society forcing children to stick to specific traits.
I believe that gender roles are more socially constructed and implemented than biologically inherited. I think that it all depends on how someone is raised and in what type of environment. The social norm for girls and boys growing up is that girls are supposed to play with dolls and boys are supposed to play with trucks. It is forced upon us from day one when we are brought into this world and put into a blue blanket or a pink blanket. People are the way they are because that is what is expected of society. That is why many people who are a bit more masculine or feminine than the norm are looked at differently and sometimes treated differently. Many people though, play the gender roles as expected of them not because they are forced, but actually because they want to be manly if they're a man, or girly if they're a woman.Gender roles are mostly developed from the society we live in and what is expected of us.
I feel that there is something to be said for both the "nature" side of the debate as well as the "nurture" side. It is true that men are generally born stronger and physically bigger than women, while women are obviously smaller and weaker in physique. However, even though this is typically how we are born, some people push it to the limits claiming that this is all we are supposed to be. Anyone who tries to merge characteristics of the sexes together is generally outcasted. Today, this is starting to get better, as more and more people are beginning to accept not only homosexuals, but metrosexuals and people who just don't fit the perfect mold. It's hard to prove that gender roles are either the basis of biology or social constructs, so I believe that they are merged together.
I believe that gender roles are more socially constructed. Our biological make up obviously has soemthign to do with it but society and how you are raised, in my opinion, has more of say. The testosterone you are born with can only do so much; if that is not the case then what explains very femine men or masculine girls. It's all about the way you are raised. Girls who love to play sports are obviously aggressive but does that always mean they are manly? I don't think so. Also, Guys who care about how they look arn't necessarily feminine, they would just like to look nice. Gender roles are shaped by the society we live in as well as the way we were brought up. Gender roles are predominantly socially constructed.
In my opinion I that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented then gender roles being biologically inherited. Individuals in society do certain activities and act in ways that are socially accepted in society. Men and women at a young age become aware of what they can and cannot do in society that is socially constructed. For example, girls participate in the sport of cheerleading while boys will not because it is socially constructed. In society the sport of cheerleading is for girls who are loud, in shape, and wear skirts. If a boy had wanted to participate he would stick out to many people in society because it has become known that boys and girls should not partake in the opposite sexes activities and will not do a good job. The idea of gender roles has become a huge problem in society today.
In my opinion, i believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented rather that being biologically inherited. In today's society people are more worried about being accepted rather being who they "truly are". Society nearly sets expectations for people, for example a male should be aggressive and tough, while a women should be caring and nurturing. People today clearly are aware of the differences between men and women biologically, but that does not seem to matter. People are very shallow today they are quicker to judge someone on his or her physical appearance rather then finding out who they truly are inside. Which is the major reason as too why gender is more of a social construct.
I believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed. Even before you are born you have friends and family members buying clothes either blue or pink, and toy either a kitchen set or trucks and cars. I fell that society has their opinions about what genders are accepted. Boys should be into sports, not emotional about anything and just very masculine and for girls they are to be "lady like" polite, into barbie dolls and dancing. I don't believe in the way society acts and practically telling boys and girls what they can or cannot do, but that's just the way it is. It's so late to change society thought and ideas.
I personally think that gender roles are mainly socially constructed in todays society. People feel the need to do whatever it takes to fit into societies expectations. Men are expected to have high ranking jobs who are interested in sports and many other typical male things, while women are expected to stay home and take care of children. Men and women are constantly faced with the pressures of fitting into certain roles. One example of how roles are socially constructed is how women are obsessed with their body image. Women feel that if they are not stick thin then they are not socially accepted.
I believe Gender Roles to be socially contracted.I believe as we are raised we are told we a beautiful and never told otherwise.As we get older and exposed to society we begin to learn what society deems as attractive and unattractive.Women are pressured into looking like the females in the media which even then, are not portrayed as natural because of all the editing done in photo shoots.Gaining self confidence and excepting ones body is crucial in avoiding the pressures gender roles in society creates.
I believe that gender roles are more biologically inherent rather that socially constructed. I think this because depending on whether you are born a male or female the biological make up of the two are very different. Males have more testosterone in their bodies which makes them stronger and bigger and makes young boys more interested in manly things like cars, or action figures. And this is the same for woman. Because of higher estrogen levels, woman tend to be more emotional and affectionate. Although society has ideals of what men and woman should be and how they should look, and men and woman by in to those ideals, I do believe that even without norms of what men and woman should be there is a significant biological make up that makes men and woman think and act the way they do.
Although both biology and the environment help shape an individual's gender role, I believe society has more of an influence on gender role. Each person is born into the world, not knowing a thing. He or she does not know that the have to act masculine or feminine. It is society that shapes both males and females to behave a certain way. Society teaches people to act the way that their certain gender is supposed to act. Society has assigned certain roles to men and women. Men are supposed to act manly and be masculine, while women are supposed to act girly and be feminine. If an individual decides to go against the social norm and not succumb to society's assigned role, he or she is ridiculed and scorned. Society tries to shape an individual to dress, talk, behave a certain way and those who do not follow these rules are not accepted by society.
I believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. I believe this because from an early age you are told how you are supposed to act. We are raised being told that boys are suppose to act tough and be the dominate one in the relationship. I personally remember falling when I was younger and constantly being told that “big boys don’t cry”, but crying is a natural response to pain. As a boy we must deny our natural response to pain that provides us with some level of comfort because society says to. The same goes for girls while they are growing up. Girls are not supposed to be playing contact sports as well as they are supposed to wear dresses. Society influences how we act by telling us how we should act.
I believe that gender roles are socially constructed. Young boys are given toy guns to play with while girls are given Barbies. This shows them what it means to be a boy or a girl from a young age. I remember growing up with older brothers and boy cousins that I played with hand-me down wrestler action figures just as much as my dolls and would play football with the boys on holidays. Being a girl though I was in a dress and when I fell and my dress got stained I was told "Girls shouldn't play with the boys" or "Thats to dangerous a game for girls." Being told things like this is how a child learns what society expects of them as a boy or a girl.
It seems to me that gender roles are socially constructed. We are who we are because of what society tells us and what we are taught, not based on our genetics. Though genes do play a part in what we look like, our thoughts are manipulated by society. This is evident in all of the articles we have read in class, as well as from my personal experiences. Men are attracted to women who are considered sexy and feminine, and not attracted to women who are in the least bit masculine. Growing up, I was told to always act ladylike: don't yell, say excuse me when I burp, cross my legs when I wear a dress, etc. If I hadn't grown up with such pressures to be feminine, I probably wouldn't be acting any differently than my brother, cousin, or uncle. For these reasons, I think gender roles are socially constructed and are not based on biology.
I think that gender roles are socially constructed. It is true that biology does take a part in gender roles by adding in more testosterone for men, causing them to be naturally more aggressive than women; however, society takes an even bigger role in separating the two genders. From birth, boys and girls are taught to act a certain way. Girls are taught to “sit like a lady” and boys are taught that “big boys don’t cry.” Through these teachings, girls and boys learn that there is a difference between those of the opposite gender. Boys grow up to believe that they must be more aggressive and unemotional and girls grow up to believe that they must be more submissive. Because people are taught so early in life that they must be a certain way, they fall into the social construction and act the way that is socially accepted.
I do not believe that there is such thing as gender roles being biologically inherited or naturally adopted. I think "sex" is biological because it is fixed by nature, but gender roles are flexible because gender roles are mostly socially constructed.I observed a child growing up he was adopted he loves to play with his Hannah Montana doll. Others seen it as being girlie so they would tell him thats not something a boy should like and play with a doll.He is a male and did things that a lot of boys do, he even had a girlfriend. Except one thing,he still was a big fan of Hannah Montana. I think that since a young age we learn and try to fit in with societies gender roles and standards. In this child's case he is lucky his parents let him chose what he wants to do and who he wants to become.
Perhaps we "naturally adopt" gender roles because they are socially prescribed. Most fear nothing so much as being left out, ostracized, or labeled different. In fact, millions of people have been killed for their differences: the Crusades, the massacre of Jewish faith individuals, communists and communist sympathizers, homosexuals, native americans, Irish Protestants & Catholics, Africans in South Africa -- the list is unending. Each of these has been labeled different, whether the trait hated is biological or social. Does any species on earth hate more than humans? Is it a consequence of our mental superiority? Or just our favorite pasttime? I wonder...
I feel as though gender roles are constructed by society for the simple fact that there is so much evidence to support it. Advertisers do a ton of research and realize how much they can sway the public opinion one way or another. There's a reason that the skinniest best looking supermodel is chosen to represent certain beauty products and such whereas they don't just choose your average women. They feel as though they can get women to buy certain products by advertising that they too can look like some of the supermodels. It's the same reason why so many women have body image problems; society says the only way to be beautiful is to have huge breasts and a tiny waste when it refuses to acknowledge that women have inner beauty. This is the way they control gender roles because it leaves men and advertising as telling women what to think about themselves and subsequently make them buy products and such to "beautify" themselves.
I believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented over time. Throughout ones life, a person can pick up on certain aspects that will influence their social role in society. The ones that a person is around most at a younger age have the greatest affect on that persons social construction. If someone is brought up in a family where kindness and compassion are strongly enforced then that person will, by nature, have many strong feelings for kindness and compassion. If a person if brought up in a family with constant fighting and anger then that person could be prone to anger and fighting. These show a strong relevance to how traits are gained within a person throughout their life.
To me it is more likely that gender roles are socially constructed and implemented. Society, from the time a child is born, teaches them what there roles will be as they go through their lives. They teach and expect females to be feminine and males to be masculine. This begins with the colors, clothing and toys that surround a child once they are born. Parents teach their daughters to be feminine nurturers and sons to be tough providers. People who stray from these expectations are ridiculed and suffer from many stigmas associated with being different from what society views as normal. Parents do not want their children to have to endure such hardships so they teach their children to be what society expects of them. Also the media surrounds us with images of what we should be. For women the media promotes beauty, and sensitivity, but for men it promotes aggression and dominance. These are not the types of characteristics that are passed down these are constructed by society and taught to us.
To me, I feel that it is more likely that gender roles are socially constructed. Since birth girls and boys are taught to play with certain toys and are dressed a certain way. Their rooms are painted a certain color depending on their gender, and parents are judged if they decide to not follow the rules of society. Girls are given dolls and kitchen sets, while boys are given trucks and action figures. Children who play with toys that do not fit their gender are questioned about their sexuality, instead of just thinking that maybe they want to play with something different. Parents are afraid of what people will think of their children if they are not like all the other children. They do not want their boy or girl facing bullying or being made fun of for acting a certain way, so they are raised just like everyone else. People are not born knowing how to act masculine or feminine, they learn it from the people around them and the media. Although biology plays a role in the characteristics of males and females, I believe that society has a larger effect.
I believe that gender roles are more biologically inherited rather than socially implemented. Especially in the age we live in today, women have much more power and freedom then ever. Women's roles in society are becoming more similar to a man's role year after year. Biologically, men have more testosterone making them more aggressively minded. One cannot deny that boys and girls act differently since childhood. I think that society may limit what a man or woman feels they can do but at the same time the biological differences between men and women are the main reason for gender roles in America.
I believe that gender roles are more socially contructed because, for example, if a girl is raised with girls things surrounding her she will be a more feminine girl. As for me, I grew up with two older brothers with sports equipment always around me and I was just more drawn to kicking soccer balls and I never wanted to play with dolls. As I got older, I got over my tomboy stage but growing up i hated dolls. Im sure if i had older sisters , I would have had different feelings towards girls objects.
I would like to think that gender roles are more biologically inherent and naturally adopted yet it also ties in with society because of the hormone levels in different peoples bodies, everyone has a gender/sex,yet the roles that tie in are more forced by society and judgment of people.
I definitely believe that gender roles are more socially constructed than biologically. Yes, people are born a certain sex and can be brought up a certain way, but I think that gender roles especially today involve conforming to society's social norms. I know girls that act more like guys than some guys even do, and I know guys that acts extremely feminine. I totally agree with Michelle ^ I grew up with a twin brother and all boy cousins around my age, and I always LOVED sports (I still love them) but I used to be outside playing sports with the guys all day. I hated barbies and pink and dresses, and any girly clothes of any sort. Now that I've gotten older I am less like that but I had a similar experience growing up, if I had a twin girly sister or another sister at all I doubt I would have been so obsessed with sports and hanging around my brother's friends all day.
In my opinion, gender roles are more socially constructed than naturally adopted. Both women and men face pressures everyday to be better looking, skinnier, more atheltic and smarter. Society is very competative and places pressures on men and women everyday. Men and women also have different jobs which I believe is a result of gender discrimination in society.
I believe that gender roles are socially constructed than biologically. The reason I believe this is, because many women break those gender roles. I believe that gender roles are obtained by the social back round you are in. If a women grows up in a house dominated by all men they may take a role behind men. Say if the house is dominated by women they may turn out to have more control. If a female has 5 brothers they may be more into sports. I believe your home an obtained traits is more then biological how women decide their gender role.
I believe that gender roles are socially constructed because if they were biological it would be more difficult for them to change. If it were biological then things would always be the same because nobody would have any desire to change it, it would just be the way that things are. Since they are constructed socially we can change peoples perspective on gender roles, and make people more equal
I believe that gender roles are socially constructed rather than biological. I feel this it true because people have the choice to be what they want to be and that is what being socially constructed is all about. If it happened to be biological everyonbe would act and be the same, but that is not the case.
I believe that biology is the more major factor when discussing gender, but I think society does play a part as well. In Blum's article she discusses how increasing the amount of testosterone in female monkeys led to an increase in violent, more masculine behavior, and vice versa. This shows a direct effect between biology and gender behavior. If one were to grow up in a completely unbiased environment, biology would take over and create the gender role.
It seems more likely to me that gender roles are the ones that are biologically inherent and naturally adopted because society has dictated that boys play sports and girls play with dolls. Through the years though society has grown to different changes instead of the mother being at home and being the nurturer, there are now many working mothers and some stay-at-home dads.
I think that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. When a baby is born a girl wears pink and a boy wears blue to show that the baby is male or female. As the child grows older, a girl plays with dolls and makeup and a boy plays with cars and play sports. In society, men are supposed to be strong, protective, and supportive and women are supposed to be dependent on men. Society depicts these roles and men and women are viewed in very distinct ways.
I think that society definitely effects gender roles more so than biology. Biology is strict and there certain aspects of biology that cannot be changed. However, society implements gender roles and enhances biological constructs unfairly. Although biology has its affects on gender roles, society builds upon them and turns them into social norms and foundations.
In my opinion, I believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. The reason my opinion is where is stands because throughout everyday life there are multiple stereotypes and gender roles that occur in American society. Also both men and women experience social pressures to conform to traditional lifestyles. The media plays a huge role on these social pressures. For example, with all the magazines, movies, and TV shows that are broadcasted today, men and women get a general idea of what they should look like, and how society wants them to appear. Also, even when a baby is born the parents are already picking colors out that signify boys and girls. The boys would get blue and the girls would get pink. That’s just how are society is shaped today.
I believe that gender roles are socially constructed and implemented. American society has created gender stereotypes that many men and women follow. These stereotypes pressure both genders to sometimes be who they aren't. Many people live a certain lifestyle just to fight in with society because it is the right thing to do in their eyes. Magazines, movies,TV shows are examples of ways men and women get an idea of who they should look. Americas society had a certain way they want both genders to appear. Gender roles start in society today when you are born. Parents paint their child's nursery a certain color depending on the babies genders and they buy them certain toys that also depend on the gender. When the child grows up parents expect the child to act a certain based on its gender. Society has made gender roles and will continue to influences gender stereotypes.
In my opinion, the most likely seems that gender roles are biologically inherent and naturally adopted. I believe this because males are born with more testosterone than females and due to that, males are more aggressive and want to be the enforcer. The same with females, they are born with lower levels of testosterone so they aren't more aggressive and want to be the enforcer or stronger person. Then from there on I feel that society just pushes it even more by telling males you are dominate and should be more successful than females and for females they should stay in the home and be the nurturer.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I believe gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. I think that the reason people don't do certain things is because they learn from growing up that it isn't right for someone of their gender to act in such a way. For example, if a man likes to share his emotions, people find that really weird and criticize him. I do believe that biology is a factor in gender roles, however I don't think it influences them as much as society. Society takes the aspects of the average man or woman and expects everyone to act in that manner.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting and tough question to answer. I do believe that biology has something to do with gender role behaviors however, i would have to say that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. The reason behind my belief is simple. You are how you're brought up. There is no doctor or scientist out there that can do any sort of test on new born babies and even have a slight clue about what that babies personality or gender roles will be. Gender roles are learned from a very young age, starting with you parents. Let us think for a second; when you are born it is your parents that decide what is acceptable for you to wear, eat, and play with. As you get older and older, society starts to influence you more and more. That is why I believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented.
ReplyDeleteTo me, I feel that gender roles lean more towards biological and inherent then socially constructed. When younger boys grow up they get more and more testosterone, and seem to all want to stick to a specific type of sport, toy, etc. While girls age with more estrogen and it increases as they age. Again girls seem to stick to specific toys and activities.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, what I am saying could be society forcing children to stick to specific traits.
I believe that gender roles are more socially constructed and implemented than biologically inherited. I think that it all depends on how someone is raised and in what type of environment. The social norm for girls and boys growing up is that girls are supposed to play with dolls and boys are supposed to play with trucks. It is forced upon us from day one when we are brought into this world and put into a blue blanket or a pink blanket. People are the way they are because that is what is expected of society. That is why many people who are a bit more masculine or feminine than the norm are looked at differently and sometimes treated differently. Many people though, play the gender roles as expected of them not because they are forced, but actually because they want to be manly if they're a man, or girly if they're a woman.Gender roles are mostly developed from the society we live in and what is expected of us.
ReplyDeleteI feel that there is something to be said for both the "nature" side of the debate as well as the "nurture" side. It is true that men are generally born stronger and physically bigger than women, while women are obviously smaller and weaker in physique. However, even though this is typically how we are born, some people push it to the limits claiming that this is all we are supposed to be. Anyone who tries to merge characteristics of the sexes together is generally outcasted. Today, this is starting to get better, as more and more people are beginning to accept not only homosexuals, but metrosexuals and people who just don't fit the perfect mold. It's hard to prove that gender roles are either the basis of biology or social constructs, so I believe that they are merged together.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are more socially constructed. Our biological make up obviously has soemthign to do with it but society and how you are raised, in my opinion, has more of say. The testosterone you are born with can only do so much; if that is not the case then what explains very femine men or masculine girls. It's all about the way you are raised. Girls who love to play sports are obviously aggressive but does that always mean they are manly? I don't think so. Also, Guys who care about how they look arn't necessarily feminine, they would just like to look nice. Gender roles are shaped by the society we live in as well as the way we were brought up. Gender roles are predominantly socially constructed.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented then gender roles being biologically inherited. Individuals in society do certain activities and act in ways that are socially accepted in society. Men and women at a young age become aware of what they can and cannot do in society that is socially constructed. For example, girls participate in the sport of cheerleading while boys will not because it is socially constructed. In society the sport of cheerleading is for girls who are loud, in shape, and wear skirts. If a boy had wanted to participate he would stick out to many people in society because it has become known that boys and girls should not partake in the opposite sexes activities and will not do a good job. The idea of gender roles has become a huge problem in society today.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, i believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented rather that being biologically inherited. In today's society people are more worried about being accepted rather being who they "truly are". Society nearly sets expectations for people, for example a male should be aggressive and tough, while a women should be caring and nurturing. People today clearly are aware of the differences between men and women biologically, but that does not seem to matter. People are very shallow today they are quicker to judge someone on his or her physical appearance rather then finding out who they truly are inside. Which is the major reason as too why gender is more of a social construct.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed. Even before you are born you have friends and family members buying clothes either blue or pink, and toy either a kitchen set or trucks and cars. I fell that society has their opinions about what genders are accepted. Boys should be into sports, not emotional about anything and just very masculine and for girls they are to be "lady like" polite, into barbie dolls and dancing. I don't believe in the way society acts and practically telling boys and girls what they can or cannot do, but that's just the way it is. It's so late to change society thought and ideas.
ReplyDeleteI personally think that gender roles are mainly socially constructed in todays society. People feel the need to do whatever it takes to fit into societies expectations. Men are expected to have high ranking jobs who are interested in sports and many other typical male things, while women are expected to stay home and take care of children. Men and women are constantly faced with the pressures of fitting into certain roles. One example of how roles are socially constructed is how women are obsessed with their body image. Women feel that if they are not stick thin then they are not socially accepted.
ReplyDeleteI believe Gender Roles to be socially contracted.I believe as we are raised we are told we a beautiful and never told otherwise.As we get older and exposed to society we begin to learn what society deems as attractive and unattractive.Women are pressured into looking like the females in the media which even then, are not portrayed as natural because of all the editing done in photo shoots.Gaining self confidence and excepting ones body is crucial in avoiding the pressures gender roles in society creates.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are more biologically inherent rather that socially constructed. I think this because depending on whether you are born a male or female the biological make up of the two are very different. Males have more testosterone in their bodies which makes them stronger and bigger and makes young boys more interested in manly things like cars, or action figures. And this is the same for woman. Because of higher estrogen levels, woman tend to be more emotional and affectionate. Although society has ideals of what men and woman should be and how they should look, and men and woman by in to those ideals, I do believe that even without norms of what men and woman should be there is a significant biological make up that makes men and woman think and act the way they do.
ReplyDeleteAlthough both biology and the environment help shape an individual's gender role, I believe society has more of an influence on gender role. Each person is born into the world, not knowing a thing. He or she does not know that the have to act masculine or feminine. It is society that shapes both males and females to behave a certain way. Society teaches people to act the way that their certain gender is supposed to act. Society has assigned certain roles to men and women. Men are supposed to act manly and be masculine, while women are supposed to act girly and be feminine. If an individual decides to go against the social norm and not succumb to society's assigned role, he or she is ridiculed and scorned. Society tries to shape an individual to dress, talk, behave a certain way and those who do not follow these rules are not accepted by society.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. I believe this because from an early age you are told how you are supposed to act. We are raised being told that boys are suppose to act tough and be the dominate one in the relationship. I personally remember falling when I was younger and constantly being told that “big boys don’t cry”, but crying is a natural response to pain. As a boy we must deny our natural response to pain that provides us with some level of comfort because society says to. The same goes for girls while they are growing up. Girls are not supposed to be playing contact sports as well as they are supposed to wear dresses. Society influences how we act by telling us how we should act.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are socially constructed. Young boys are given toy guns to play with while girls are given Barbies. This shows them what it means to be a boy or a girl from a young age. I remember growing up with older brothers and boy cousins that I played with hand-me down wrestler action figures just as much as my dolls and would play football with the boys on holidays. Being a girl though I was in a dress and when I fell and my dress got stained I was told "Girls shouldn't play with the boys" or "Thats to dangerous a game for girls." Being told things like this is how a child learns what society expects of them as a boy or a girl.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that gender roles are socially constructed. We are who we are because of what society tells us and what we are taught, not based on our genetics. Though genes do play a part in what we look like, our thoughts are manipulated by society. This is evident in all of the articles we have read in class, as well as from my personal experiences. Men are attracted to women who are considered sexy and feminine, and not attracted to women who are in the least bit masculine. Growing up, I was told to always act ladylike: don't yell, say excuse me when I burp, cross my legs when I wear a dress, etc. If I hadn't grown up with such pressures to be feminine, I probably wouldn't be acting any differently than my brother, cousin, or uncle. For these reasons, I think gender roles are socially constructed and are not based on biology.
ReplyDeleteI think that gender roles are socially constructed. It is true that biology does take a part in gender roles by adding in more testosterone for men, causing them to be naturally more aggressive than women; however, society takes an even bigger role in separating the two genders. From birth, boys and girls are taught to act a certain way. Girls are taught to “sit like a lady” and boys are taught that “big boys don’t cry.” Through these teachings, girls and boys learn that there is a difference between those of the opposite gender. Boys grow up to believe that they must be more aggressive and unemotional and girls grow up to believe that they must be more submissive. Because people are taught so early in life that they must be a certain way, they fall into the social construction and act the way that is socially accepted.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that there is such thing as gender roles being biologically inherited or naturally adopted. I think "sex" is biological because it is fixed by nature, but gender roles are flexible because gender roles are mostly socially constructed.I observed a child growing up he was adopted he loves to play with his Hannah Montana doll. Others seen it as being girlie so they would tell him thats not something a boy should like and play with a doll.He is a male and did things that a lot of boys do, he even had a girlfriend. Except one thing,he still was a big fan of Hannah Montana. I think that since a young age we learn and try to fit in with societies gender roles and standards. In this child's case he is lucky his parents let him chose what he wants to do and who he wants to become.
ReplyDeletePerhaps we "naturally adopt" gender roles because they are socially prescribed. Most fear nothing so much as being left out, ostracized, or labeled different. In fact, millions of people have been killed for their differences: the Crusades, the massacre of Jewish faith individuals, communists and communist sympathizers, homosexuals, native americans, Irish Protestants & Catholics, Africans in South Africa -- the list is unending. Each of these has been labeled different, whether the trait hated is biological or social. Does any species on earth hate more than humans? Is it a consequence of our mental superiority? Or just our favorite pasttime? I wonder...
ReplyDeleteI feel as though gender roles are constructed by society for the simple fact that there is so much evidence to support it. Advertisers do a ton of research and realize how much they can sway the public opinion one way or another. There's a reason that the skinniest best looking supermodel is chosen to represent certain beauty products and such whereas they don't just choose your average women. They feel as though they can get women to buy certain products by advertising that they too can look like some of the supermodels. It's the same reason why so many women have body image problems; society says the only way to be beautiful is to have huge breasts and a tiny waste when it refuses to acknowledge that women have inner beauty. This is the way they control gender roles because it leaves men and advertising as telling women what to think about themselves and subsequently make them buy products and such to "beautify" themselves.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented over time. Throughout ones life, a person can pick up on certain aspects that will influence their social role in society. The ones that a person is around most at a younger age have the greatest affect on that persons social construction. If someone is brought up in a family where kindness and compassion are strongly enforced then that person will, by nature, have many strong feelings for kindness and compassion. If a person if brought up in a family with constant fighting and anger then that person could be prone to anger and fighting. These show a strong relevance to how traits are gained within a person throughout their life.
ReplyDeleteTo me it is more likely that gender roles are socially constructed and implemented. Society, from the time a child is born, teaches them what there roles will be as they go through their lives. They teach and expect females to be feminine and males to be masculine. This begins with the colors, clothing and toys that surround a child once they are born. Parents teach their daughters to be feminine nurturers and sons to be tough providers. People who stray from these expectations are ridiculed and suffer from many stigmas associated with being different from what society views as normal. Parents do not want their children to have to endure such hardships so they teach their children to be what society expects of them. Also the media surrounds us with images of what we should be. For women the media promotes beauty, and sensitivity, but for men it promotes aggression and dominance. These are not the types of characteristics that are passed down these are constructed by society and taught to us.
ReplyDeleteTo me, I feel that it is more likely that gender roles are socially constructed. Since birth girls and boys are taught to play with certain toys and are dressed a certain way. Their rooms are painted a certain color depending on their gender, and parents are judged if they decide to not follow the rules of society. Girls are given dolls and kitchen sets, while boys are given trucks and action figures. Children who play with toys that do not fit their gender are questioned about their sexuality, instead of just thinking that maybe they want to play with something different. Parents are afraid of what people will think of their children if they are not like all the other children. They do not want their boy or girl facing bullying or being made fun of for acting a certain way, so they are raised just like everyone else. People are not born knowing how to act masculine or feminine, they learn it from the people around them and the media. Although biology plays a role in the characteristics of males and females, I believe that society has a larger effect.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are more biologically inherited rather than socially implemented. Especially in the age we live in today, women have much more power and freedom then ever. Women's roles in society are becoming more similar to a man's role year after year. Biologically, men have more testosterone making them more aggressively minded. One cannot deny that boys and girls act differently since childhood. I think that society may limit what a man or woman feels they can do but at the same time the biological differences between men and women are the main reason for gender roles in America.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are more socially contructed because, for example, if a girl is raised with girls things surrounding her she will be a more feminine girl. As for me, I grew up with two older brothers with sports equipment always around me and I was just more drawn to kicking soccer balls and I never wanted to play with dolls. As I got older, I got over my tomboy stage but growing up i hated dolls. Im sure if i had older sisters , I would have had different feelings towards girls objects.
ReplyDeleteI would like to think that gender roles are more biologically inherent and naturally adopted yet it also ties in with society because of the hormone levels in different peoples bodies, everyone has a gender/sex,yet the roles that tie in are more forced by society and judgment of people.
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe that gender roles are more socially constructed than biologically. Yes, people are born a certain sex and can be brought up a certain way, but I think that gender roles especially today involve conforming to society's social norms. I know girls that act more like guys than some guys even do, and I know guys that acts extremely feminine. I totally agree with Michelle ^ I grew up with a twin brother and all boy cousins around my age, and I always LOVED sports (I still love them) but I used to be outside playing sports with the guys all day. I hated barbies and pink and dresses, and any girly clothes of any sort. Now that I've gotten older I am less like that but I had a similar experience growing up, if I had a twin girly sister or another sister at all I doubt I would have been so obsessed with sports and hanging around my brother's friends all day.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, gender roles are more socially constructed than naturally adopted. Both women and men face pressures everyday to be better looking, skinnier, more atheltic and smarter. Society is very competative and places pressures on men and women everyday. Men and women also have different jobs which I believe is a result of gender discrimination in society.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are socially constructed than biologically. The reason I believe this is, because many women break those gender roles. I believe that gender roles are obtained by the social back round you are in. If a women grows up in a house dominated by all men they may take a role behind men. Say if the house is dominated by women they may turn out to have more control. If a female has 5 brothers they may be more into sports. I believe your home an obtained traits is more then biological how women decide their gender role.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are socially constructed because if they were biological it would be more difficult for them to change. If it were biological then things would always be the same because nobody would have any desire to change it, it would just be the way that things are. Since they are constructed socially we can change peoples perspective on gender roles, and make people more equal
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are socially constructed rather than biological. I feel this it true because people have the choice to be what they want to be and that is what being socially constructed is all about. If it happened to be biological everyonbe would act and be the same, but that is not the case.
ReplyDeleteI believe that biology is the more major factor when discussing gender, but I think society does play a part as well. In Blum's article she discusses how increasing the amount of testosterone in female monkeys led to an increase in violent, more masculine behavior, and vice versa. This shows a direct effect between biology and gender behavior. If one were to grow up in a completely unbiased environment, biology would take over and create the gender role.
ReplyDeleteIt seems more likely to me that gender roles are the ones that are biologically inherent and naturally adopted because society has dictated that boys play sports and girls play with dolls. Through the years though society has grown to different changes instead of the mother being at home and being the nurturer, there are now many working mothers and some stay-at-home dads.
ReplyDeleteI think that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. When a baby is born a girl wears pink and a boy wears blue to show that the baby is male or female. As the child grows older, a girl plays with dolls and makeup and a boy plays with cars and play sports. In society, men are supposed to be strong, protective, and supportive and women are supposed to be dependent on men. Society depicts these roles and men and women are viewed in very distinct ways.
ReplyDeleteI think that society definitely effects gender roles more so than biology. Biology is strict and there certain aspects of biology that cannot be changed. However, society implements gender roles and enhances biological constructs unfairly. Although biology has its affects on gender roles, society builds upon them and turns them into social norms and foundations.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I believe that gender roles are mostly socially constructed and implemented. The reason my opinion is where is stands because throughout everyday life there are multiple stereotypes and gender roles that occur in American society. Also both men and women experience social pressures to conform to traditional lifestyles. The media plays a huge role on these social pressures. For example, with all the magazines, movies, and TV shows that are broadcasted today, men and women get a general idea of what they should look like, and how society wants them to appear. Also, even when a baby is born the parents are already picking colors out that signify boys and girls. The boys would get blue and the girls would get pink. That’s just how are society is shaped today.
ReplyDeleteI believe that gender roles are socially constructed and implemented. American society has created gender stereotypes that many men and women follow. These stereotypes pressure both genders to sometimes be who they aren't. Many people live a certain lifestyle just to fight in with society because it is the right thing to do in their eyes. Magazines, movies,TV shows are examples of ways men and women get an idea of who they should look. Americas society had a certain way they want both genders to appear. Gender roles start in society today when you are born. Parents paint their child's nursery a certain color depending on the babies genders and they buy them certain toys that also depend on the gender. When the child grows up parents expect the child to act a certain based on its gender. Society has made gender roles and will continue to influences gender stereotypes.
ReplyDelete