Assignment 3: Gender Identity We Are Socialized At Ev 573523

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 as 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? Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M1_A3.doc.

For example, if your name is John Smith, your document will be named SmithJ_M1_A3.doc. By Wednesday, September 28, 2016, deliver your assignment to the M1: Assignment 3 Dropbox.

Paper For Above instruction

This assignment offers an exploration into gender identity and societal socialization, emphasizing the profound influence of early-life experiences and media portrayals on gender roles. It requires analyzing historical and contemporary portrayals of gender, reflecting on personal reactions to hypothetical gender changes, and examining notions of sexism and racism through the lens of media and societal progression.

Understanding how gender roles are socially constructed involves recognizing the pervasive reinforcement from childhood to adulthood. Societal cues, such as color choices (pink for girls, blue for boys), influence value systems, behaviors, and expectations. These cues are traditionally reinforced through institutions like hospitals, media, and family settings, shaping societal perceptions of gender. The media excerpts from shows like "I Love Lucy" or "Leave it to Beaver" serve as reflections of the time's gender norms, highlighting both progress and persistent stereotypes.

Watching these shows provides insight into the historical context of gender roles, revealing how characters often accepted gendered expectations, sometimes unconsciously. Comparing these portrayals to contemporary representations illuminates ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. Characters' awareness or ignorance of gender bias exhibits societal attitudes toward prejudice, power dynamics, and subordinate roles.

Reflecting on a hypothetical situation where one's gender is suddenly reversed encourages introspection about personal biases, societal expectations, and the concept of identity. Reacting emotionally—whether with relief, indifference, or elation—depends on individual perspectives but often reveals underlying attitudes toward gender and societal acceptance. This thought experiment also exposes personal assumptions about gender-specific roles and privileges, emphasizing roles within the family and workplace, which are deeply embedded in social norms and influenced by sexist and racist structures.

Historically, sexism and racism have been intertwined, with media playing a significant role either in perpetuating stereotypes or challenging them. Since the 1950s, societal awareness and activism have fostered changes in attitudes, although disparities persist. Media portrayals have gradually shifted from overt stereotypes to more nuanced representations, but ongoing effort is needed to eradicate biases.

This exercise aims to deepen understanding of gender socialization, challenge ingrained assumptions, and recognize the societal and media influences that shape perceptions of gender and race. By critically engaging with media and personal reflection, individuals can contribute to ongoing social change towards equality and inclusivity.

References

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