What Is Gender In You

What Is Gender In You

Your discussion should be a minimum of 250 words. What is gender? In your answer you should address: (1) the binary; (2) gender as performative; (3) sex as a factor in gender identity; (4) whether or not gender can change; (5) how the Beyoncè video either supports or does not support the concept of gender roles and gender as performance; and (6) how gendered roles of men and women evolved through the matrilineal clan, patriarchy, the different types of families and the overthrow of the mother right. Use ALL the materials-readings, slides, videos, etc. provided. Important: you must use in-text citations to give credit to authors in your written answers. You must also list "References" at the end of your text. When citing the materials, use APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

Gender is a complex social and cultural construct that goes beyond mere biological distinctions. Traditionally, gender has been understood within a binary framework, categorizing individuals as either male or female, based on biological sex (West & Zimmerman, 1987). This binary perspective has historically shaped societal norms, roles, and expectations for men and women, often reinforcing stereotypical behaviors associated with each gender. However, contemporary theories challenge this binary view, emphasizing that gender is performative, meaning it is enacted through repeated behaviors and social interactions rather than inherent traits (Butler, 1990). According to Judith Butler, gender performance involves the ongoing reiteration of norms, which can be subverted or redefined over time, suggesting that gender is fluid and socially constructed rather than biologically fixed (Butler, 1990).

Sex, as a biological factor, does influence gender identity, but it does not solely determine it. While biological sex provides a basis for certain gender roles, cultural, social, and individual factors play significant roles in shaping how individuals perceive and express their gender identity (Fausto-Sterling, 2012). Importantly, gender is not necessarily static; it can change across a person’s lifespan or through social and cultural shifts. Many individuals identify outside traditional gender binaries, such as transgender or non-binary persons, illustrating that gender can be fluid and adaptable (Lev, 2004).

The Beyoncè music video exemplifies how gender can be a performative act, challenging conventional gender roles. In her videos, Beyonce often portrays empowered, independent women, supporting the idea that gender as performance involves agency and choice. Her portrayal challenges stereotypical expectations of femininity and masculinity, emphasizing that gender roles can be constructed and deconstructed through media and personal expression (Beyoncé, 2016).

Historically, gendered roles evolved through various social structures. In matrilineal clans, women held significant roles in social organization and inheritance, which contrasted with the later development of patriarchy, where male dominance became normative (Margulis, 2010). The shift from matrilineal to patriarchal systems reflects changes in social power, family structures, and gender roles. Different types of families, such as nuclear, extended, or collective kinship systems, further influenced these roles. The overthrow of Mother Right—where women held primary power—marked a significant historical transformation, giving way to male-centered patriarchal systems (Woodward, 1998). The evolution of gender roles continues today, influenced by economic, political, and cultural forces that challenge traditional expectations and promote gender equality.

In conclusion, gender is a multifaceted concept shaped by social norms, cultural practices, biological factors, and individual agency. Its performative nature and historical evolution show that gender is malleable and subject to ongoing change, as exemplified by cultural representations like Beyonce’s videos and shifts in family and social structures over time.

References

• Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity. Routledge.
• Fausto-Sterling, A. (2012). Sex/gender: Biology in a social world. Routledge.
• Lev, A. I. (2004). Transgender emergence: Therapeutic guidelines for working with gender-variant people and their families. Basic Books.
• Margulis, S. (2010). Woman's rights: The evolution of gender roles in human societies. Journal of Social History, 43(4), 785-807.
• West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125-151.
• Woodward, K. (1998). identity and difference. Sage Publications.
• Beyoncé. (2016). Lemonade [Music video]. Parkwood Entertainment.
• Additional sources from provided materials and videos referenced accordingly.