Gender Roles

A. BASIC

a. Gender roles are the roles that society assigns to men and women based on their gender. They especially influence relationships (both personal and professional) between men and women. Gender roles have been changing in our society in recent decades, and generally have become more flexible; however, traditional gender roles still have some influence. Although there are different viewpoints on the nature and development of gender, several theorists (Bockting, 1999; Bohan, 2002; Kimmel, 2000; Maurer, 1999) have claimed that gender is socially constructed. It is difficult to capture the complexity of gender roles, because in most cases, roles according to gender are merely based on the approach that men and women are of opposite social stature, and appear to be �normal and natural’. The belief that men and women are fundamentally different is often linked to the idea that there are particular social roles for which men and women are best suited (Ruble & Martin, 1998).

b. Is it really a “boy v. girl” world?

i. Assumptions made about the different genders

ii. Social constructions of gender

iii. Rules for guys v. rules for girls

iv. Expectations of each gender

v. How we interact with the opposite gender

B. How does this pertain to GRAMSCI’s Theories?

a. Hegemony or counter-hegemony? : hegemony

i. How so? - The ideas and views about gender roles in society is very �common sense’ to society. It is thought to be very well known by society exactly what is expected of each gender. Majority of society has chosen to maintain the �status quo’ rather than revolt. (although counter hegemony is evident in some cases)

b. How do traditional intellectuals respond to this issue?( investigate further)

i. gender is socially constructed

ii. roles according to gender are merely based on the approach that men and women are of opposite social stature, and appear to be �normal and natural’

iii. The belief that men and women are fundamentally different is often linked to the idea that there are particular social roles for which men and women are best suited.

c. How do organic intellectuals respond to this issue? (investigate further)

i. Unfair discrimination

ii. Differences in treatment

C. QUESTIONS to consider:

• Do you see yourself as a typical man/woman? Why or why not?

• Are the responsibilities of a mother the same as the responsibilities of a father to their families?

• What are the responsibilities of a father to his family?

• What are the responsibilities of a mother to her family?

• Are fathers capable of carrying out the duties of a mother and vice versa?

• Are there different expectations for sons and daughters?

• What habits are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?

• What behaviors are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?

• What jobs are deemed as appropriate for men but inappropriate for women?

• Are more doctors female or male in your country?

• Are more nurses female or male in your country?

o Why do you think this is?

• Are more professional musicians female or male in your country?

• Are more teachers female or male in your country?

• Are more truck drivers female or male in your country?

• Are men and women equal in ability and intelligence?

• What things can either men or women do that the other cannot do and why?

• What type of clothing do men wear?

• What type of clothing do women wear?

• Can men wear women's clothing or can women wear men's clothing? Why or why not?

• Is it OK for men to cry?

• Is it OK for women to cry?

• What do people