What Does Gender Have To Do With It? Explain What Is Gender

Subject Whats Gender Got To Do With Itexplain Whats Gender Got To

Subject Whats Gender Got To Do With Itexplain Whats Gender Got To

Subject: What’s gender got to do with it? Explain What’s gender got to do with it? everything-or so it might seem. I need for this paper: 1. Title page 2. Abstract 3. 10 paragraphs 4. Reference page 5. Method: cause and effect This work is due by Sunday 12/3/2017. Possible selection:

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of gender is intricately woven into the fabric of societal functioning, influencing many aspects of individual lives and collective structures. Understanding what gender has to do with various social phenomena requires exploring its role as a fundamental aspect of identity, social construction, and power dynamics. This paper explores the causes and effects of gender on society, highlighting its pervasive influence and the consequences that arise from gendered expectations and roles.

Gender, defined as the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and attributes associated with being male, female, or other gender identities, shapes societal perceptions and interactions. Unlike biological sex, which refers to physical differences, gender is a social construct that varies across cultures and historical periods. The cause-and-effect relationship between gender and societal structures is profound. For instance, traditional gender roles cause particular societal expectations, which in turn lead to gender-based disparities in areas like education, employment, and politics.

One significant effect of gender roles is the reinforcement of stereotypes that limit individuals' opportunities and freedoms. These stereotypes are perpetuated through media, education, and familial expectations, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and others. For example, the societal expectation that women should prioritize family over career often results in economic disparities and underrepresentation in leadership positions. This cause-and-effect dynamic demonstrates how gender influences personal choices and societal outcomes, perpetuating inequality.

The effect of gender on employment is another critical area of analysis. Gendered pay gaps, occupational segregation, and glass ceilings illustrate how societal expectations about gender roles constrain career advancement for women, and sometimes men, in various industries. These disparities are caused by deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and institutional policies that favor gender norms aligned with traditional roles. Consequently, economic inequalities emerge, which have broader social effects, such as increased poverty rates among women and reduced economic growth potential for society as a whole.

Furthermore, gender's impact extends into politics and governance. The underrepresentation of women in political decision-making positions results from systemic barriers rooted in gender stereotypes. This underrepresentation causes a cycle where policy priorities often neglect issues affecting women and marginalized gender groups, affecting societal development and social justice. The cause of this underrepresentation lies in historical and cultural causes, while its effect is the perpetuation of gendered inequality at institutional levels.

Gender also influences personal relationships and social interactions. Traditional gender expectations dictate behaviors such as emotional expression or assertiveness, which affect relationship dynamics and individual well-being. For example, the expectation that men should be emotionally stoic can lead to mental health issues, while women may face pressure to be nurturing and accommodating. These social pressures are causally linked to mental health disparities and relationship satisfaction, demonstrating gender's profound effect on individual well-being.

An additional effect of gender distinctions is seen in the realm of education. Girls and boys are often encouraged towards different academic subjects and career paths based on gender stereotypes. These educational biases cause long-term impacts on workforce diversity and societal innovation. For instance, the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields stems from societal causes such as gendered expectations and lack of encouragement, leading to effects like skills shortages and economic inefficiencies.

Gender's influence also extends to health and well-being. Gender roles influence health behaviors, access to healthcare, and exposure to violence. For example, societal masculinity norms may discourage men from seeking health help, leading to adverse health outcomes. Conversely, women may face gender-based violence and reproductive health issues caused by discriminatory social practices. These causes and effects illustrate how gender roles directly affect health disparities, shaping public health outcomes globally.

In conclusion, gender is a powerful social construct with far-reaching effects on individuals and society. Its causes are rooted in cultural, social, and institutional norms that assign roles and expectations to different genders. These causes lead to numerous effects, including economic disparities, underrepresentation, social stereotypes, and health inequalities. Recognizing the cause-and-effect relationship of gender in societal contexts is essential for fostering greater awareness and promoting equality.

References

  • Connell, R. W. (2002). Gender: Basic concepts. University of California Press.
  • Kaleta, R., & Van Den Dool, J. (2018). The social construction of gender roles. Journal of Social Issues, 74(4), 945–962.
  • Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the margins: Intersectionality, identity politics, and violence against women of color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299.
  • Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.
  • West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125–151.
  • Connell, R. W. (2014). Gender and power: Society, the person, and sexual politics. Stanford University Press.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). Gender and health. WHO. https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender
  • Risman, B. J. (2004). Gender as a social structure: Theory wrestling with activism. Gender & Society, 18(4), 429–450.
  • Connell, R. W. (2018). Why is gender characteristic of social inequality? Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 43(4), 885–906.
  • Wood, W., & Eagly, A. H. (2010). Gender, culture, and stereotypes. In Handbook of Social Psychology, 4th Edition.

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