Chapter 5 Blog

Summary-

The chapter starts off addressing myths about the two genders and states the difference between gender and sex. Sex is defined by biological characteristics while gender is socially constructed. Nature versus nurture is also looked at, specifically arguments for both sides of the discussion, and it is concluded that both interact in the socialization process of gender roles. Next, theories are brought in about gender roles. Ones we read about are sociobiology, social learning theory, cognitive development theory, symbolic interaction theories, and feminist theories. The chapter then talks about the different opportunities and influences of people’s parents, families, peers and friends, and different types of media, including the portrayal of supermodels because they show lots of girls what society thinks the right physical image for womem is. The last bit discusses a wide range of how gender roles affect and are treated in the adult world, from chores in the house to women’s power in government. The chapter concludes with rankings of women’s status in countries around the world, but just because a country is one of the top in status doesn’t necessarily mean there aren’t plenty of changes to be made still.

New/Interesting Material-

I found it interesting that a number of the top ten countries in which women are rated to have the best lives are in or around northern Europe. I wonder why that area is so well represented. Maybe because these countries haven’t drawn much global attention so they have more time or opportunity to perfect their societies.

Concern-

I think the section about where we learn gender roles from was too long because I feel like I hear about parental/school/media influences often enough. In general conversations these topics come up a lot, especially the media, and many other classes talk about parents and peers and school etc. so I personally would have liked to see the pages filled with more discussion about other topics like gender myths; they’re always interesting.