Assignment 3: Gender Identity We Are Socialized At Every Sta

Assignment 3 Gender Identitywe Are Socialized At Every Stage In Life

Assignment 3: Gender Identity We are socialized at every stage in life to conform to our gender identity. Societal reinforcement of tendencies of gender identity is relentless. For example, in hospitals, little girls are wrapped in pink and little boys in blue. This difference in colors influences how we learn and how we internalize our role in our society. Girls tend to grow up to play feminine roles and boys tend to grow up to play masculine roles.

This differentiation of gender identity has implications in social stratification. The videos given below will provide you with a better understanding of the differentiation of sexual identity from an earlier generation. Search for and watch an episode of at least one of the following shows. You may find these videos using a variety of search methods including visiting your local library, using Netflix or your local video store, or searching on YouTube. If you have difficulty locating an episode of one of the following shows, contact your instructor for assistance in finding an alternative.

I Love Lucy, All in the Family, The Mickey Mouse Club, The Honeymooners, Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, Gilligan’s Island, The Brady Bunch, I Dream of Jeannie

As you watch the video, ask yourself the following questions: To what extent have things changed and to what extent have they remained the same in regards to gender roles, expectations, division, and identity from the time this show was originally popular and today? How conscious and sensitive are the characters regarding gender prejudice, power inequality, and subordination? Did they take inequality of the sexes for granted? Based on your readings and understanding that you have gathered after watching the above-noted video, write a short biographical description of your life if you were to wake up tomorrow morning in the time period of the video you watched and find you have a different gender identity.

Write a description of how you lived your life a day after your hypothetical change in gender as you answer the following questions: Discuss how you would react on finding out that your sex is opposite. Would you feel a sense of relief, indifference, or elation? Why? Discuss three ways your attitude towards the opposite sex was enlightened or would change as a result of what you learned from this project. If you would not change your attitude, why?

Write down the ideas and attitudes you have taken for granted a member of your actual gender. Consider how your roles at home and in the office would change if you were a member of the opposite gender. Relate the ideas of sexism and racism to the videos. How do you think sexism and racism have changed since the 1950s?

Paper For Above instruction

The societal construction of gender identity profoundly influences individuals from early childhood through adulthood, shaping perceptions, behaviors, and societal roles. From the pink and blue distinctions in hospitals to the media representations in popular shows, societal reinforcement of gender roles fosters a narrow understanding of masculinity and femininity. Analyzing these elements through historical and cultural lenses reveals both the persistence of traditional gender roles and the subtle shifts over decades.

The television shows from the mid-20th century, such as "I Love Lucy" or "Leave it to Beaver," exemplify the gender expectations of their time. Characters often displayed gendered behaviors with little awareness of the implicit biases embedded within societal norms. For instance, women predominantly managed household duties and adhered to submissive or nurturing roles, while men were presented as providers, decision-makers, and authority figures. These portrayals reflected and reinforced the prevailing notions of gender that marginalized the complexity of individual identity and perpetuated inequalities.

Watching these shows today prompts reflection on how much has changed. While some progress has been made, such as increased visibility of diverse gender expressions and challenging traditional stereotypes, many ingrained attitudes persist. Characters in contemporary media display a greater sensitivity toward gender prejudice, yet societal expectations continue to influence behaviors and opportunities. The conversations around gender equality now recognize the importance of power dynamics, subordination, and the need for inclusivity. However, remnants of gender stereotypes remain, influencing perceptions in various spheres, including workplace structures and social interactions.

If I were to wake up tomorrow in a different gender, my life perspective would shift dramatically. The realization of being of the opposite sex would evoke a mixture of curiosity and perhaps relief. Understanding the societal pressures faced by my new gender would deepen empathy for the daily experiences and struggles that members of that gender encounter. Initially, I might feel a sense of relief if I perceived my new gender could provide easier access to opportunities or less societal scrutiny, but I might also feel anxiety about navigating unfamiliar expectations.

My attitudes towards the opposite sex would undoubtedly be enlightened through this hypothetical transition. For example, I would become more aware of the subtle biases and systemic inequalities that reinforce gender disparities. Such insight might foster a greater appreciation for gender advocates and the ongoing efforts to achieve equality. Conversely, if my views remained unchanged, it would suggest deep-seated biases resistant to experiential learning, which would warrant critical self-examination.

Reflecting on my current attitudes, I realize that I have internalized certain ideas about gender roles, such as assumptions about emotional expression, career choices, or household responsibilities. If I became a member of the opposite sex, these roles and expectations would likely differ, compelling me to reassess what I consider normal or natural. For example, as a woman, I might encounter greater societal expectations around appearance and caregiving, which could limit or diversify my experiences in the workplace or at home.

Relating these ideas to historical and contemporary contexts reveals how sexism and racism intersect and evolve. The civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s challenged overt discrimination but did not eradicate underlying biases. Today, although legal protections are stronger, subtler forms of sexism and systemic racism persist in media portrayals, employment practices, and social attitudes. Media representations have begun to diversify and challenge stereotypes, yet societal change remains ongoing.

In conclusion, understanding gender identity and societal reinforcement uncovers the complex layers of socialization that shape individual identities and societal structures. Recognizing past and present portrayals provides a foundation for critical reflection and ongoing efforts toward gender equality and social justice.

References

• Connell, R. W. (2002). Gender: Basic concepts. Australian National University Press.
• Lorber, J. (1994). Paradoxes of gender. Yale University Press.
• Bem, S. L. (1993). The Lenses of Gender: Transforming the Debate on Sexual Inequality. Yale University Press.
• Kimmel, M. S. (2008). Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men. HarperOne.
• hooks, bell. (2000). Feminism is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. South End Press.
• West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing Gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125–151.
• Risman, B. J. (2004). Gender as a Social Structure: Theory Writ Large. In P. G. Limestone (Ed.), Gendered Work: Perspectives on Women's Labor and Feminist Politics (pp. 17-36). Routledge.
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• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299.