Gender

This chapter on gender wants to teach the reader how to read
gender but without the expectations and preconceptions we have
made in the past. In the beginning the author explains the
difference between “sex” and “gender”. “Sex” is biological
differences between male and female whereas “gender” is
constructed or invented through society and our behaviors. What
the author means by gender is constructed is there are certain
external and internal traits that our culture assigns to both males
and females and to prove that they posses these traits each gender
sends out signals. For example, strength, rationality and stability
are all characteristics of manliness, so to prove he is a man he would
work out, play sports and drive fancy cars.

The author then brings up the term “doing Gender” which refers to
participating in any behavior associated with a certain gender such
as wearing earrings or growing a beard. The author translates this
into men being dominant and women being submissive. For instance
most people associate nurturing, refined, and dainty with women
whereas rough, aggression and brutish are linked with men.

Another point the author makes is gender is created by factors
which include stereotypes, tradition, culture and family. I believe
back in the day family was probably the single largest effect on the
roles of male and female. The men worked all day and brought home food
while most women were housewives, taking care of the house and children
and preparing dinner. However in today’s society with both men and women
working full time jobs and with so many single parents the family effect
on how we see gender is decreasing.

Finally the last point the author makes is the double standard in America
regarding males and females. Women are expected to be thin, refined and
sexually inactive whereas men are encouraged to be comfortable and
sexually adventurous. If a woman dates a few guys then she is
considered a “slut” or “whore” but if a man gets with a few
women then he is considered “the man” and gets praised for doing so.