Vogel, D., Wester, S. , Heesacker, M. , Madon, S. “Confirming Gender Sterrotypes: A Social Role
Perspective.” Sex Roles, Vol 48, Nos.
11/12, June 2003
According to this article, social expectation of how genders
are supposed to behave is widely believed to be vastly different. Contrary to
assumption, Analysis indicates that men and women behave similarly much of the
time. Though when in a relationship,
both genders tend to stick with their stereotypical roles. There is an
underlying expectation to maintain a typical gender role, because behaving
consistently with normative expectations is less risky than behaving in a
nonnormitive manner. This can be boiled down to people’s fear of being hurt, rejected,
or misunderstood. From an early age we learn the basic normative model of how
men and women act, separately and injunction with each other. We find it much easier to behave in these
expected ways in a relationship then not, it also causes less problems when one
maintains their roles. These situational factors influence the extent in which
women and men confirm the stereotypes. Interesting to note, through a case study
in this article it was confirmed that if a partner is emotionally vulnerable
they are more likely to maintain their stereotypical gender role.
Lindsey, Linda “Gender Roles, A Sociological
Perspective” Maryville University, St.
Louis, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005
According to Linda Lindsey, Gender roles are reinforced by
Social influences and culture. She states that from a very young age we are
influenced by are society, when we are born we are wrapped in ether a blue or
pink blanket, signifying what gender we are. These influences carry on
throughout our lives, at the age of 5- 10 we are given toys that reflect of
gender, boys are more often given toy tanks, constructive materials like legos
then barbies. While girls are given toys that reflect a more aesthetic approach
like brushes, dolls and mock babies. Throughout our lives our culture is
constantly feeding us products that are aimed and synonymous with our gender.
Lindsey states that our culture commands expectations according to gender and
that if one chooses another course of action that differs from the accepted
norm, they are at risk of social disapproval.
According to Lindsey ”Conformity becomes a matter of providing cultural
mechanisms for social control.” Meaning
that every society has a basis for what is considered normal that is generally
approved. If one does not abide by their expected gender roles they are
vulnerable to a number of social control reactions that can include ridicule,
loss of friends and family, in turn forcing us to maintain our expected way to
live.
Greetings, to my fellow teenagers growing up in the southern
United States.
I bring you insight on the control and
manipulation your community has bestowed on you. From a young age you have been
subtly influenced on the image a man and woman play in this society and I can
assure you that those models are merely constructed by your culture and are by
no means a way for how you should live your live. Conformity is rampant in the
small towns scattered along the southwest and failure to conform could result
in the community isolating you, typically out of misunderstanding. For the men,
the conception to be mainly weighs great on your conscience, there is a feeing
of following the lifestyle, one that is distanced from emotion but in turn is
exaggerated in forms of hard work, strong leadership skills and that DIY
mentality. If you identify with that
then it’s fine, but to the men that don’t,
I comfort you with the philosophy that you don’t have to live your life injunction with the “guy code.” You and only
you have the power to live your live however you want to, embellish in the arts
or music if it draws to you, seek an emotional understanding of yourself, don’t
be afraid to cry. I assure you if you
break free from the social constructs of your surroundings you will learn more
then ever. This will help you develop
into your own character and not just blend in with everyone else. You can love
your community, it is your heritage in a way but understand that if you embrace
it to much it narrows your perception of what is normal, for there is an
expected way of life.
For the women, you have been influenced from the day you are
born to abide by an expected gender role, possibly more then men. There is an overwhelming force
around you that is constantly depicting women as sexualized and domesticated.
From advertisements to movies, women share a common role. From and early age
you are given makeup and tank top and told to live a life reserved. I come to
encourage you to breach out of the norms, compete with men, aim for a high
career position. As I addressed to the men you don’t have to live an expected
life. Don’t be afraid, if you do
discouraged or are a target of public outcry in your community you can always
reassure yourself with the fact that you are doing what you ant to do. Most importantly it is you that can determine
your fate, you have the power to do so, don’t be held back by how your community
response. In the end, you are in control of how you live your life.
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