Select One Aspect Of Culture From The List ✓ Solved

1) Select one aspect of culture from the list . Once you've made

1) Select one aspect of culture from the list. Once you've made your selection, please delete all other options.

2) Include the reference for Part II that corresponds to the topic you’ve chosen. Copy and paste the reference entry from the table.

3) Summarize the main points from each of your sources.

4) Write a working thesis statement based on your sources.

The Final Research Paper must be five to six double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style. It must include a separate title page, an introduction and conclusion, and at least one full-text scholarly resource in addition to the Miner article and the article chosen from the list of topics in Part II. Document any information used from sources in APA style and include a separate references page.

Paper For Above Instructions

The intricate relationship between culture and gender is a subject that has attracted considerable academic scrutiny, revealing a complex tapestry shaped by social norms, historical contexts, and individual experiences. In this paper, the selected aspect of culture is gender roles, which significantly influence social structures and individual behaviors across diverse societies. This paper examines gender roles through two academic sources, namely, "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema" by Horace Miner and "Television, Disordered Eating, and Young Women in Fiji" by Anne E. Becker, evaluating the interplay of cultural perspectives within both a Western context and a non-Western context.

Literature Review

In "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema," Miner (1956) provides a captivating critique of American cultural practices through the lens of an outsider. The text describes various rituals and beliefs of the Nacirema, a fictitious tribe, highlighting how common practices in American culture may appear bizarre when perceived through an anthropological lens. This method illustrates the complex nature of cultural norms and beliefs, particularly in relation to gender roles. Gender roles, as outlined in Miner’s work, dictate the behaviors, expectations, and responsibilities assigned to men and women, often reflecting broader societal values.

One critical point raised in Miner’s article is that gender roles can lead to the reinforcement of stereotypes. For instance, men are often portrayed as the breadwinners and authority figures, while women are expected to prioritize family and caregiving roles. These distinctions, while appearing normal within the cultural context, can perpetuate systemic inequalities and limit individual potential for both genders. Furthermore, the communication styles attributed to each gender contribute to the persistent gap in understanding and collaboration between them (Mulvaney, 2013).

Impact of Media on Gender Perceptions

Becker's (2004) study in Fiji elaborates on the influence of media on gender roles, particularly focusing on adolescent girls and their body image. The introduction of television to rural Fiji led to a significant change in societal expectations, with girls increasingly feeling pressured to conform to Western ideals of beauty. Over a three-year study, Becker documented a rise in disordered eating behaviors among young girls, attributing this shift to the media's portrayal of gender norms and physical appearance.

Becker (2004) notes, “A previously described cross-sectional, two-wave study demonstrated a dramatic increase in indicators of disordered eating during the 3 years following the introduction of broadcast television with Western programming" (p. 534). This research underscores how media can drive cultural change, particularly in shaping gender roles and perceptions of beauty. The alarming increase in body dissatisfaction among Fijian girls illustrates the detrimental impact that the globalization of media can have on local gender dynamics.

Furthermore, Becker's research indicates a nuanced understanding of how cultural perspectives shape the assimilation of new practices. While Western ideals often position women's worth based on physical appearance, Fijian culture traditionally involved a more holistic appreciation of women's roles, encompassing their contributions to community and family outside of mere aesthetics.

Working Thesis Statement

This paper contends that gender roles significantly vary across cultures, influenced by local historical contexts, media representations, and established societal norms. As evidenced by the interactions between the anthropological insights from Miner’s work and the contemporary issues described by Becker, one can discern the underlying currents that shape gender expectations both positively and negatively.

Cultural Analysis

Examining gender roles from both an etic perspective, as illustrated by Miner, and an emic perspective, as exemplified by Becker, provides a comprehensive understanding of how these roles are cultivated and maintained. For instance, the portrayal of women in American culture—as analyzed through the Nacirema perspective—reveals entrenched stereotypes that often marginalize women's contributions in areas outside traditional domestic roles. Conversely, the introduction of Western media in Fiji illustrates an external pressure that reshapes local gender expectations, potentially harming established cultural identities that value women's roles more comprehensively.

This analysis further substantiates cultural relativism, suggesting that while one may personally disagree with certain gender norms, it is vital to understand these practices within their cultural context. Ethical considerations emerge when discussing gender roles, as these expectations can lead to discrimination and inequality, reflecting a need for cultural sensitivity and awareness in discourse surrounding gender.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gender roles are profoundly influenced by cultural contexts, as evidenced in the works of Miner and Becker. The complex interplay of media, societal expectations, and historical narratives shapes these roles, resulting in diverse manifestations across cultures. Acknowledging these differences through a culturally relativistic approach fosters a deeper understanding of human behavior and societal structures, allowing for a more nuanced conversation about gender roles and their implications in both local and global contexts.

References

• Becker, A. E. (2004). Television, disordered eating, and young women in Fiji: Negotiating body image and identity during rapid social change. Culture, Medicine & Psychiatry, 28(4), 527-549.
• Crapo, R. H. (2013). Cultural anthropology [Electronic version]. Retrieved from [Publisher Link]
• Miner, H. (1956). Body ritual among the Nacirema. American Anthropologist, 58(3), 503–507.
• Mulvaney, D. (2013). Gender and communication in the classroom: Teaching integrity and ethics. High School Journal, 96(4), 339-353.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions, and organizations across nations. SAGE Publications.
• Wetherell, M. (2015). The analysis of social categorization: An introduction to social identity. Social Psychology, 47(4), 971-986.
• Glick, P., & Fiske, S. T. (2001). An ambivalent alliance: Hostile and benevolent sexism as complementary forms of sexism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 81(1), 102.
• Bryson, V. (2003). Gender and the politics of the global economy. International Feminist Journal of Politics, 5(4), 459-476.
• Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (1999). The origins of sex differences in human behavior: Evolved disposition versus social roles. American Psychologist, 54(6), 408.
• Yanagisako, S. J. (2002). Producing culture and capital: Family firms in Italy. International Journal of the Sociology of Agriculture and Food, 10(2), 53-67.