Gender Essays (1748 words) - Gender, Judith Lorber, Gender Role

Gender Definition When studying "gender," the first task is to clearly define what it is not. Gender simply can not be defined by one's anatomy. In other words, gender is not categorized as male or female. Stating this fact is of the utmost importance, because most people would define gender in such a way. In fact, some dictionaries actually define gender as "See sex." So now that I have withdrawn that determinant, I must conclude that gender is something which is determined socially. Unfortunately, the concept is far too broad to have one clear definition. It can be studied in so many different ways, and it is because of this that there are a multitude of theories about it. Learning about differing theories stimulates one's own beliefs about gender and its usefulness. Every sociology litterateur is aware of the socialization theory. Socialization and the study of gender are often linked. In terms of gender, the socialization theory suggests that children are taught to behave a certain way according to their sex. Boys are taught to be masculine and girls to be feminine. For example, parents will often buy boys trucks or army toys and for girls, they will buy dolls and playhouse sort-of toys. Boys are played with in a rough manner and are taught to "tough it out" when they get hurt. Girls are taught to be more passive and expressive of their feelings. Also, children learn by observing their parents and the roles that they play. Girls love pretending to be the "mommy." Chores are also divided. Those chores that are more "masculine" are for the boys such as taking out the trash and raking leaves. Girls help in the kitchen and with cleaning. The socialization theory is accepted by many, but it does not account for everything. This theory is limiting in that it doesnot allow one to study gender in a macro sense. This theory cannot explain why or how gender came about. It also doesn't provide an answer for how gender inequality began or how it can be minimized. Many theorists take the socialization theory and expand on it. One of the most unique theories on gender comes from Judith Lorber, a professor of sociology. Lorber's book, "Paradoxes of Gender," introduces her idea of gender being a social institution. Lorber views gender inequality from this perspective. It is difficult to explain all aspects of Lorber's theory without sounding repetitive, because so much is interrelated. She critiques all of the popular beliefs about gender. Gender is not the assumptions or beliefs about males and females; it is not the roles that males and females play; it is not male and female status; it is certainly not anatomy, and it is not strictly socialization. "Gender is a social structure that has its origins in the development of human culture, not in biology or procreation. As is true of other institutions, gender's history can be traced, its structure examined, and its changing effects researched." (Lorber, p.1) LLorber does not view gender at the individual level, but rather as a social construction that establishes norms for individuals which are built into the major societal organizations. The development of gender inequality is the main focus of Lorber's discussion of gender. According to Lorber, roles are gendered. Either sex can participate in opposite gendered roles. The problem is that males are expected to be masculine and women to be feminine. Those jobs that are more feminine have lower statuses, thus lower pay. So we now begin to see where inequality comes into play. An interesting point that Lorber makes about this is that women are to blame for this as well as men. When a woman chooses to go into a female-dominated field, she is perpetuating inequality by contributing to masculinism. However, when a female works in a male-dominated field, she must become a social man. For example, in the work force, CEOs are supposed to possess masculine traits. A female CEO must be aggressive, dominant, and non-sympathetic. So when females become social men, they are looked down upon. Most of these women are thought to be too aggressive and unappealing. They have failed at being a "woman." The same goes for men in female-dominated jobs, although for men, there isn't much of a problem simply because there aren't very many men who take feminine jobs due to their lower statuses. Naturally, female-dominated jobs are seen as feminine. If a man were to take a female-dominated job, he would be expected to act as a social woman. The fact that a

The Ideal Relationship

The Ideal Relationship In today’s society, both men and women have assumed different roles in their respective families and societies. However, in most cultures around the world men are somehow more glorified than women. In such patriarchal societies, women are expected to serve and respect men. Therefore, women are brought up knowing how to serve and respect their fathers, husbands, and grandfathers.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Ideal Relationship specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Such societies have lately been the target of feminist movements. To most people, especially those in the Western worlds this manner of doing things is outdated and should be repealed entirely (O’Neill, Horton and Crosby 72). This has not had much effect because most patriarchal societies go on with their lives unperturbed. This raises the question of what is an ideal relationship between men and women. In my view, an ideal relationship consi sts of clearly demarcated roles and responsibilities between the two genders. Most of those in the feminist movement usually have a biased outlook of a patriarchal society. To them women in these societies are denied their basic rights. Therefore, when the women chose to cook, clean, and care for their husbands, it is assumed that this is against their will. This is not always the case. Historically, men and women have always served different roles in their societies. This pattern has been in existence for thousands of years and even previous laws considered this fact greatly (Hare 17). However, there is a difference between being treated differently and being oppressed. This distinction is often overlooked by most of those in the feminist movement. As one writer notes, â€Å"a misunderstanding of the roles nature has given to women will only take part in the breakdown of the sacred ties of the family† (Crawford and Unger 100). A perfect relationship is not however built on f ear between men and women. Men who are afraid that women are going to take over from them are misinformed. Careers do not necessarily interfere with gender roles. It is possible for a woman to assume whichever career she wishes and still fulfill her role in the society. For instance, the most common gender role is that in relationships men should lead women.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is a good example of how gender roles are misconstrued. This is because the woman is not supposed to be a follower of all the men in the planet. She is only supposed to be a follower of the man she is in a relationship with. This means that in an ideologically perfect relationship the woman can be the president of a multi-national company. However, when she goes home she meets her leader, the one who is supposed to alleviate all her fears and insecurities. Using the same logic, a man can be working in the lowest position possible but he should be able to lead the way in a relationship. The mutual respect between men and women should exist without the pressure associated with the feminist movement. Men have nothing to gain by trying to keep women down and denying them even their fundamental rights. Moreover, women have nothing to gain relationship-wise by trying to confront and equate themselves to their men (McBride-Stetson 27). While such issues may be good topics for public debates, they should not be in doubt when it comes to relationships. In a perfect relationship, it should not be a matter of debate about who is supposed to lead the other. This and other roles should be clear to both of the parties involved in a relationship. In addition, this should not be a matter to be decided after a relationship has already begun, men and women should be in the clear about these roles right from the start. A clear demarcation in gender roles ensures that there is good communication and respect in a relationship. Usually, these are the agents that bring about love in a relationship. When a man and a woman have clear roles and responsibilities, there is little room for conflict and misunderstandings. Perfect relationships are those that are able to withstand currents like those of feministic or chauvinistic views (Strathern 277). In my view, in a perfect relationship it should not be an everyday quest when deciding who should carry out which role. For instance, if it is the wife’s duty to cook for the family this should be the case as long as she is present and healthy. In addition, if it is the woman’s role to bring home the bacon the man should not be influenced by chauvinistic or feministic views and end up feeling inferior (Walters et al. 89).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Ideal Relationship specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Statistics have shown that s ince the advent of the feminist movement, the rate of breakdown in relationships has skyrocketed (Haraway and Cyborg 68). This is simply because this movement is inconsiderate of what makes up a perfect relationship. In a perfect relationship, it is not about what rights each partner has, but more about what responsibilities each partner seeks to fulfill to the other. Therefore, when roles and responsibilities are clearly laid down, the resulting relationship is nothing short of perfect. Crawford, Mary, and Rhoda Unger. Women and Gender: A Feminist Psychology, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. Print. Haraway, Donna, and Ann Cyborg. Science, Technology, and Socialist-Feminism in the  Late Twentieth Century, New York: Routledge, 1991. Print. Hare, Rachel. The Problem of Gender in Family Therapy Theory. Family  Process 26.1 (2004): 15-27. Print. McBride-Stetson, Dorothy. Womens Rights in the U.S.A.: Policy Debates and Gender  Roles, New York: Routledge, 2004. Print. O’Neill, R egina , Sylvia Horton, and Faye Crosby. Gender Issues in Developmental Relationships. Family Process 34.1 (2007): 63-80. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Strathern, Marilyn. An Awkward Relationship: The Case of Feminism and Anthropology. Signs 12.1 (1987): 276-292. Print. Walters, Marianne, et al. The Invisible Web: Gender Patterns in Family Relationships, New York: Guilford Press, 1991. Print.

Outline the similarities and differences in the marxist and liberal Essay

Outline the similarities and differences in the marxist and liberal approaches to understanding the state - Essay Example Very few countries in the world even consider themselves Marxist anymore and the economic systems as well as the approach taken to the state is often a mixed one for former Marxist countries. Nevertheless, the ideas presented by Marxist theorists remain important because there are quite a few supporters of Marxism and Marxist theories in the world even where the majority holds the liberal approach. Perhaps the best representation of the ideas behind Marxism is given in the communist manifesto which was written jointly by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel. The Communist Manifesto was first published in 1848 and the book deals with the program of the communist party as well as the purposes of its foundation. In essence the viewpoint taken by the Marxist approach to the state focuses on the conflict between proletariats and the bourgeoisie (Avineri, 1968). Ideally, for a Marxist, the conflict would result in the overthrow a capitalist state system which exploits workers that controls the means of production. The eventual aim of the Marxist viewpoint is to create a state that remains classless as opposed to a liberal state which can result in the creation of rich and poor classes (Drydyk, 1991). Even though the book was written almost a hundred and fifty years ago, it still remains relevant today since the class struggle and the negative effects of capitalism remain present in many societies. After laying down the idea that communism is not understood and feared unnecessarily, the communist manifesto initiates the section on Bourgeois and Proletarians where many famous sayings of Marx are placed. For example, Marx suggests quite clearly that all history is nothing more than the story of class struggles between the haves and the have-nots and this essentially becomes the view of the state as a propagator of the class system when it is under a liberal