Reflection #4

Gender

Gender and sex; what’s the difference? Many people believe there is no difference between the terms gender and sex but in fact there is a difference. “the term “sex” is usually reserved for those features that arise from biological differences [and] the term “gender” has been adopted in order to acknowledge the extent to which femininity and masculinity are also moulded by historical, social, cultural, economic, political, and psychological influences” (Roger, W. (2007)pg. 181). Although there are many ideas/controversies on sex and how many sexes exist, I am going to focus on gender and gender stereotypes.

According to “The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality” ““Gender” is the best available term that focuses our attention upon the vital contribution of social and cultural components of femininity and masculinity” (The Social Construction of Sex, Gender and Sexuality(N.D.)pg.144). People usually acquire the different components of femininity and masculinity through childhood experiences, upbringing, and societal expectations. In other words people essentially acquire feminine and masculine stereotypes that society has created and labelled for each gender.

Gender stereotypes start when a child is first born. For example, baby girls are dressed in pink and purple colours, and put in dresses; baby boys on the other hand are dressed in blues and greens and never in a dress. As children get older they are given distinctive feminine and masculine toys to play with. Girls are given Barbies, princess objects and apparel, dress up clothing, cleaning and cooking supplies, and dolls. Boys are given action figures, cars, trucks, sport equipment, blocks, construction/building toys, army men and toy guns. On top of stereotyped objects given to children, there is also gender stereotyped roles/behaviours encouraged/enforced by society. Girls are stereotyped as being gentle, calm, non-active, caring, clean, afraid to get dirty, and having good hygiene; boys are stereotyped as being rough and tough, dirty, aggressive, sporty, outgoing, rebellious, and outdoorsy. Gender stereotypes continue into adulthood. More frequently we see these stereotypes in the roles/responsibility people take part in. For example, women (moms) are seen as being house wives, caring for their children, nurses, cleaners, elementary school teachers, models, or dental assistance. Men (dads) are known to go hunting, to be athletes, construction workers, trades men, doctors, lawyers, persons of authority, or military. These gender roles parents take part in are also seen as gender role modelling for their children. Children are likely to do the same things as their parents. Therefore, if girls see their moms playing sports and engaging in “masculine” activities they will see it as ok for themselves to do so and if boys see their dads caring for his children then boys will perhaps do the same.

In spite of these gender stereotypes that society has overtime created and labelled as a norm I feel otherwise. Personally, as a child and in adolescence I did not follow these norms. I played with my brother’s toys, begged my dad to not have to wear a dress, jumped out of barns, played many sports, and most of all decided what career I wanted for myself despite gender stereotypical careers. As a result I was considered a “tomboy” and different from all the other girls, which had its difficulties but not enough to deter me from what I love doing. Gender stereotypes are going to be around in society for awhile and one by one I believe this can change if we focused on embracing everyone for who they are and what they enjoy; as well as by introducing neutral gender toys.

Reference

(N.D.). The social construction of sex, gender and sexuality. Chapter 1.

Leroux, D. (2010). Thinking Gender [Power point slides]. Retrieved November 7^th, 2010 from http://webct6.carleton.ca/webct/cobaltMainFrame.dowebct.