Gender Role Differences in Society - Coursework Example

RUNNING HEAD: Gender Roles Gender Role Differences in Society Discussing gender is like talking about the sunrise. It is so common and is so intricately woven into people’s lives that it is usually taken for granted if not ignored. Yet there are particular topics about gender and sexuality that most people find interesting, among these are the formation of gender identity and the unending gender issues in the society. Hence, this paper aims to share understanding about gender identity formation together with sexual orientation and the different issues surrounding the topic. Gender identity formation is indeed a very interesting and controversy laden topic. In fact, Psychologists, researchers, academicians and even members of the religious sector have made various researches and empirical studies about gender identity formation. According to Erick Erikson (1986), the pioneer in the study of identity development and formation, questions about ones identity usually start at adolescence. The combination of physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur during this time, along with the serious life choices that one has to face (i.e. career, life partner) spur what Erikson (1968) famously tagged as an identity crisis. What then is gender identity and how is it developed and formed? Gender identity pertains to the degree to which biological men identify themselves as male and correspondingly where biological women identify themselves as female (Palan, 2001). However, there are a minority of individuals who feel that their biological sex and gender do not match. Being transgender refers to individuals who feel that they have been born in the wrong gender and are in essence, truly members of the opposite sex. Transsexual is a term used to refer to transgender individuals who choose to, or are intending to, have sexual reassignment surgery. Transgender and transsexual people may be identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual or any other sexual orientation (UCLA Center for Women and Men, 2008). In line with the discussion of gender identity is the concept of sexual orientation. According to the UCLA Center for Women and Men (2008) sexual orientation refers to a person’s sexual attraction, emotional attachment and physical needs to other specific gender. There are different kinds of sexual orientations. Most commonly known to society is heterosexuality also known as being straight wherein an individual is mainly attracted to someone from the opposite sex. Another sexual orientation, which is very controversial, is homosexuality wherein a homosexual can either be gay or lesbian. This kind of sexual orientation refers to the attraction of an individual to someone of the same sex. Lastly, there is bisexuality shortly called as bi wherein a person can be attracted not only to one gender but to both. (UCLA Center for Women and Men). For decades different studies have been conducted to explain the formation and development of these genders. According to a study by Bussey and Bandura (1999) theories about gender development are classified into different categories depending upon the criteria. But one known classification of these theories is based on the different dimensions surrounding these theories. In this classification made by Bussey and Bandura (1999), there are three categories within which these theories fall. The first one is focused on theories which believe that gender development is based on psychological, biological and social determinants. The second category emphasizes on familial transmission models, wherein families are considered to be the main influencing factor on an individual’s gender development. The last category centers on studies which revolve around the belief that gender development is an early childhood phenomenon rather than a life course event (Bussey & Bandura, 1999). Aside from the major theories mentioned above, it is believed that family, peers and society contribute to the formation of gender roles. In a study conducted by Emily Buss (2000), she mentioned that many studies suggest that parents typically exercise more influence than peers on many aspects of their children’s lives including shaping of gender roles. According to Buss (2000), the perception of children about themselves is usually based and intertwined with one’s perception about their caregivers. In most cases, these are the children’s parents or direct family members. Hence, children’s beliefs and overall personality reflect greatly the values, beliefs and upbringing of their parents. On the other hand, peers are also important in shaping gender roles. According to Erikson (1968), a peer group provides a new venue for an individual to feel a sense of belongingness, approval and a relief from day-to day stress. Peers which include friends from school, work and even neighbors provide the individual a chance to experiment and experience different roles in sexual, political and social aspect. Hence peer interaction spearheads the formation of an of individual’s identity on social, cognitive, and emotional aspects (Buss, 2000). According to a study by Lorber (1994) society assigns gender roles to the different sexes as shown in the different society and cultures all over the world. A wide variety of gender roles is evident today in present society. Lorber (1994) gave specific example of the variety of gender roles. She mentioned that there are only two genders, man and woman known in western societies while in some societies thy have three genders: men, women, and berdaches or hijras or xaniths. In short, genders are statuses which are socially constructed. But now as the world is becoming more modern and changes with regards to gender roles are more evident. In fact, today, fathers take care of little children, girls and boys are wearing unisex clothing and getting the same education. Moreover, women and men are working at the same jobs, and with equal effectiveness at that. However, there are still social groups who are still very traditional and are still trying to maintain the gaps and differences between genders but gradually these differences and gaps are lessened (Buss, 2000). Nowadays, institutions are not so particular with labor division based on gender. Men and women are now given equal opportunities when it comes to work and career and in fact some countries have laws about gender equality and discrimination. In addition, people’s attitudes towards other sexual orientations such as homosexuals are more lenient and are less discriminating. Unlike in the past wherein homosexuals have to hide their identity, they can now be open about their sexuality without fear that society will condemn them. Evidence in the change in society’s midset and attitudes towards homosexuals can be attested to by countries where same sex marriage is already legal, like in the Netherlands and Australia where gay festivals and parades are held annually (Heritage Foundation 2004). However, there are still societies which are very traditional and believe that men and women are different in every aspect and that one gender is superior to the other. These issues about gender and sexuality not only create social awareness but media hype as well. In fact, according to Lindenberger (2008) in his article posted in Times magazine, this issue is the costliest social campaign in history wherein influential and wealthy people are contributing huge sums of money for the approval of the laws about gender discrimination and same sex marriage. On the other hand, there are institutions, political groups and influential people who are fighting for the ban of these laws. The Roman Catholic Church is still against the participation of gays and lesbians in church activities such as matrimony and religious parades. Even in the comforts of ones home, there are opposing views on the approval of these laws. Homosexuals are at risk of being disowned by their families if known to be gay or lesbian. Moreover, at work and in school there is still the danger of being bullied, ostracized or insulted if ones homosexuality is known. Both parties are fighting for what they believe is right. It is quite difficult to take sides especially if one is not directly affected with the issue, and thus find it hard to empathize with either stance. Homosexuals only want to be accepted and be treated as equals; thus, it is not fair to treat them as if they are a disease in society. On the other hand, the opposing party only wants to maintain the order and balance which has ruled society since time immemorial and to stand with what they believe is morally right. However, what is society’s basis for morality? Is it morally right to suppress the identity of these people and to strip them of their happiness? These are the questions that people should ponder on before they take on either stance and act towards it. References Buss, E. (2000). "The Adolescents Stake in the Allocation of Educational Control Between Parent and State." Chicago Law Review, 67U. 21 October 2008, from www.law.uchicago.edu/academics/publiclaw/resources/08.EB.Peers1.pdf Bussey, K., & Bandura, A. (1999). Social cognitive theory of gender development and differentiation. Psychological Review, 106, 676-713. Erikson, E. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. Retrieved on October 20, 2008 from http://academic.evergreen.edu/curricular/hhd2005/WinterDownloads/Erikson.pdf Heritage Foundation (2004). Social science and same-sex marriage: Translations from the Netherlands Reformatorisch Dagblad. The Heritage Foundation of America. 22 October 2008. Retrieved from http://www.heritage.org/Research/Family/netherlandsmarriage.cfm Lindenberger, M. (2008 October 21) . California and beyond: The battle over gay marriage. Time. Retrieved on October 20, 2008 from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1852263,00.html?xid=feed-yahoo-full-nation Lorber, J. (1994). Night to his Day: The Social Construction of Gender. Paradoxes of Gender (Chapter 1). Retrieved on October 20, 2008 from http://www.meac.org/Resources/ed_services/SG_WEB/SeeingGender/PDFs/SocialConstructionOfGender.pdf Palan, K. (2001). Gender identity in consumer behavior research: a literature review and research agenda. Academy of Marketing Science Review, 10, 21. University of California Los Angeles Center for Women and Men. Sexual Orientation. Retrieved on October 20, 2008 from http://www.thecenter.ucla.edu/sexorien.html Read More