Gender Roles and Sexuality - Essay Example

School Gender Roles and Sexuality Problem Definition: What makes a man man and a woman woman? Thesis There are characteristics, features, roles and responsibility that the Divine Being has defined for men and for women and there can be no more reliable source to look at it than the Bible. Main Body “Gender roles are the activities, responsibilities, and rights that a society considers normal and appropriate for men and women” (Novelguide.com). Notice that the normal definition of gender roles also suggests who defines it: basically the society. In this paper, we look at a path of knowing sexuality and gender that may in contrast to the popular belief: the definition of the bible. Elizabeth Elliot in her book, “Let Me Be A Woman” believed that “It was God who made us different, and He did it on purpose” (2004). This stand is in opposition to the claims that there is basically no difference between a man and a woman and all is a matter of social conditioning (Elliot). The Biological Aspect The first distinction between man and woman is the biological or physical aspect. An average man is seen to be taller and heavier than an average woman and 30% physically stronger in the upper body (LifeForm Newtowrk Inc.). Internally, “men and women have different levels of certain hormones; for example, men have a higher concentration of androgens such as testosterone, while women have a higher concentration of estrogens (LifeForm Network Inc.). These things are rather obvious as we all perceive men to be the physically stronger sex than women. Later in our discussion, this premises on differences will lead to some conclusion about gender roles. Mental and Behavioral Differences As to intelligence, there is known to be little difference between men and women. Specifically, the findings are: ”an average man performs better on tests of spatial and mathematical ability, while women perform better on tests of verbal ability and memory” and “men’s IQ has greater variance, which means that there are more men than women in the very high and very low IQ groups” (LifeForm Network Inc.). Behaviorally, men are known to be more physically aggressive, has more sexual drive, has more positive attitude than women, are less emotions but also has less willingness to express emotions to women (LifeForm Network Inc.). Societal Views Different societies have difference views of men and women. Some countries, like the Muslim countries and in Africa, women are treated much less than in other countries. One thing in common however is that women are viewed as inferior to men. Only the magnitude of difference matters. Men are usually more educated, has higher position and therefore higher salaries than women, although in some democratic countries the gap is closing in. There is certainly a difference between a man and a woman, and these are obvious in the things we have mentioned above. The Distorted View The difference between men and women does not necessarily mean that we box them into certain stereotypes to the point of heaping abuse on some. The literatures written by Judy Brady and Robert Bly were honest exposition of how men and women are normally seen in the society. The women as wives are seen as mere satisfiers of man’s physical and emotional desires as if without intrinsic value (Brady). The women, as in most countries bear more of the family burdens especially child-bearing and child-rearing while not being exempted from the financial responsibility (Brady). This is an honest portrayal of the fate of some wives, but this is not correct. On the other hand, Bly portrayed men as naïve, without self-control and self-will, therefore falls prey to women (Bly). It is their too much love and desire for women that robs them of intelligence and wit. Again, the authors are honest in portraying gender roles, but this is not necessarily right. Conclusion: What the Bible Says Elliot believes that God has made the physical, mental, emotional, behavioral and all other aspects of a male or female for a purpose (2004). Indeed, the bible pronounces difference between men and women, particularly that men are superior than women so that wives are commanded to submit to their husbands as to the Lord since the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head of the church (New International Version, Eph.5.22-23). The narration of the Wife of Noble Character in Proverbs also depicts hardwork and taking care of the physical needs of the family (New International Version, Prov. 31). But God’s design is not in any way similar to what Brady and Bly have narrated. God intend men to be superior as they are also given the responsibility to take care of women, and women are to be submissive as they are promised to be loved and taken care of (New International Version, Eph.5.25-29). The motivation of God is different from ours. Indeed He has designed things to achieve order and it is us that distorts His beautiful plans. References Bly, Robert. "Naivete." Bly, Robert. Iron John: A Book About Men. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1990. Brady, Judy. "Why I Want Wife." Brady, Judy. The First Ms. Reader. 1970. Elliot, Elizabeth. Let Me Be A Woman. OMF Literature Inc. , 2004. Holy Bible. Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 2004. New International Version LifeForm Network Inc. http://www.steadyhealth.com. 2010. 7 May 2010 . Novelguide.com. http://www.novelguide.com. 2010. 7 May 2010 . Read More