The social constructionist view of gender dismisses the idea that genes are responsible for the way that we think and behave. Instead there is the belief that our ‘gender’ is shaped by our societal environment. From the moment someone is born people conform to the gender stereotypes, particularly the parents. A classic example would be the conception that girls wear pink and boys wear blue. From this other people will start to treat that individual according to the ‘norms’. Baby girls are almost always handled with great care whereas baby boys are often handled in a much more physical manner such as throwing and catching them. Toys that are bought for the child also differ according to the sex of the child. Girls are bought dolls and teddy bears and boys are bought toy cars and action men figures. If a boy was to start playing with a doll, the chances are someone would remove the toy and say to the child that it is a girl’s toy. If they then picked up a toy car there would be words of appraisal. This form of learning is known as conditioning. From then on others reinforce this shaping such as teachers, peers and the media. Research from Mead (1935) found differences in gender roles between cultures. This supports the view that gender is socially constructed.
The theory that gender is biologically determined argues that genes control behaviour and other gender characteristics. This is supported by the difference in genetic makeup between males and females. Hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen not only have an effect on our physical appearance but the way that we feel and think. An example could be a female suffering from PMT, which affects mood. Testosterone enhances male’s libido, which in turn may also affect mood.
The socio-biological approach argues that gender differences are evolutionary adaptations that promote survival. The evolutionary theory is based on the fundamental view that desirable characteristics that will increase reproduction will be passed on to future generations. If we apply this to this is why people are programmed to act according to their gender. Males have an ‘innate’ need to produce as many offspring as possible in order to maintain their genetic line. Female’s care and mother the child and so choose the father who she thinks has the most desirable characteristics for inheritance.
As the sex hormones interact with the central nervous system it is likely to have some affect. Goldberg argued that this is the reason that males are dominant in all societies and that therefore gender does have a biological basis.
References
O’Donnell, M. (1992) A new Introduction to Sociology (3rd Edition) Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd Surrey
Taylor, P. Richardson, J. Yeo, A. Marsh, I. Trobe, K. Pilkington, A. (2000) Sociology in Focus Causeway Press Ltd Lancashire
Web Links
Gender Identities and Behaviour - Jennifer Moore 2001
http://www.uncharted-worlds.org/gender/gender_id_b.htm
About-Face - About-Face 1996-2003
http://www.about-face.org/