Since all sorts of gender inequality continues to exist today, and some of the people and institutions that perpetuate the inequality appear unwilling to change, the contemporary family structure could be the starting point to remedy gender inequality in
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Introduction
Obtaining gender equality has been a constant struggle in the United States. Society in America naturally treats men and women differently, with no regard to equity. Consequently, gender inequality is repeatedly taken for granted, whether in the workforce or in the home. It is considered not only an expected social response, but one that is a basic component of social relations. The contemporary family structure is the most fundamental arena where gender inequality and equality are produced and reproduced. It is a central place where children are first taught gender roles and where influential associations built around gender are introduced. Since all sorts of gender inequality continues to exist today, and some of the people and institutions that perpetuate the inequality appear unwilling to change, the contemporary family structure could be the starting point to remedy gender inequality in the United States today, yet this does not occur. Thus, family structure is primarily constrained today by the continuation of gender inequality in society. Gender inequality may well be one of the greatest puzzles of modern society in the United States. We know that males and females are biologically different from the moment of conception and that these differences determine an individual's sex. ...read more.
Middle
Gender is something that we "do" rather than "have," and in a sense, society assumes it is bred into our genes. The social expectations and attitudes that are learned are called gender socialization; we are trained and gain knowledge of the proper thinking and behaviors related with being a boy or a girl (Brines, 1994). At an early age, we are raised by our family and conditioned on what it means to be male or female in society. Children's first introduction to what it means to be male or female comes from their parents (Lauer & Lauer, 1994). Proper attitudes and behaviors are learned at home and then later reinforced by cultural norms within society. For the most part in the contemporary family, structured gender roles are a reflection of the parents' beliefs about gender. Most individuals in the United States are taught that there are two and only two sexes, male and female, and two and only two genders, feminine and masculine (Lucal, 2008). We are taught that a real woman is feminine, a real man is masculine, and that any eccentricity or discrepancy is outlandish or abnormal. We are assigned a sex category based on our genitalia, and this category later becomes a gender status with gender markers. ...read more.
Conclusion
In addition, it might be said that women, on average, are more nurturing and have stronger dispositions to engage in care-giving behavior because of their genes and hormones. The ancient nature versus nurture debate sheds little light on the issue, as gender differences could as easily originate from biological influences as from environmental influences. Whether gender stems from biological or social influences, women in American society are regarded as inherently nurturing. There is nothing wrong with a woman nurturing, and it could even be the case that the nurturing instinct is a benefit for women. For example, a woman's nurturing instinct could result in her having a better ability to deal with logic, reasoning, and decision-making. Deutsch (2007) states that "several studies of women in masculine occupations showed how they carefully negotiated a uniquely feminine way of implementing their professional roles, thereby accomplishing gender and professional credibility simultaneously" (p. 110). Be it nature or nurture, women deal with life experiences differently than men. In conclusion, the family is the crucial site where gender relations are produced and reproduced, which results in gender inequality in the United States. The ways we learn, think about, and experience gender and its related biological factors originate in our society, beginning with the family. Although there are obvious biological distinctions that create male and females, it is the family structure that creates gender inequality. ...read more.
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Here's what a teacher thought of this essay
4 star(s)
This essay aimed to discuss gender inequality in the USA. An introduction outlining what will be covered would be useful to help the reader get a sense of what will be presented. It is also useful for the writer to check that what is in the main body matches what was written in the introduction.
The concept of the ?contemporary family structure? needed clarification. What is this structure? It could be described as man and wife with 2.4 children, or as we so often see, a single parent. The writer also needs to give examples of how the family structure promotes gender stereotyping.
The writing style was good overall.
4/5
Marked by teacher Diane Apeah-Kubi 06/06/2013
