1. How is gender socially constructed and what effect does this have?
According to the “Doing Gender” article by Candance West and Don H Zimmerman, there is a difference between sex and gender, and “gender is a powerful ideological device, which produces, reproduces, and legitimates the choices and limits that are predicated on sex category” (181). Because of this ideological device that is gender, people feel the need to fit the roles that that gender upholds in society. Our sex is predetermined at birth, and has biological traits associated with it, but gender is fluid and “... not a set of traits, nor a variable, nor a role, but the product of social doings” (176). Because gender is essentially a performance that helps us interact with others, anyone who does not fit these gender roles is automatically excluded, and that leads to things such as racism and sexism, according to “Masculinity as Homophobia”. Because of these gender roles, we are conditioned to believe we have a certain place in society, and we must act a certain way. The book “Im Glad Im a Boy, Im Glad Im a Girl”, demonstrates the roles that we are conditioned to fulfill, from the early stages of childhood. This norm in our society then excludes people of other races, genders, and sexualities who do not conform to the basic ideologies behind each gender role.
2. How has learning about socialization and gender affected the development of your sociological imagination?
Through what we have learned about socialization and gender, I have developed a broader understanding of the difference between gender and sex, and how gender roles work to influence our lives. Because of this, I am able to understand and analyze the interactions between people and actions of individuals based on their gender roles. One of the most interesting articles we read this unit was titled “The Confidence Gap”, and it explained that although many women are overconfident and overly prepared, they do not expect raises or promotions because they have been taught that they are less qualified and less likely to earn that spot. Because of this new understanding that has added to the development of my sociological imagination, it is easier to understand the lack of representation of women in roles of power because of the gender roles working to hold them back. Another interesting article that helps put my sociological imagination to work is “TV Alters Fiji Girls View of Body”, which helps explain how we are socialized to fit gender roles through the use of media. This article and the “Im Glad Im a Boy, Im Glad Im a Girl” book both help demonstrate how we are not born thinking that we need to act in a certain way, but different agents of socialization work to condition us to want to fulfill our gender roles and put on this “act” of gender.
3.How, if at all, can problems dealing with gender stratification and gender discrimination be solved?
This is a tricky question because just as many other shifts in perspective, this takes time and not everyone can have their minds changed. According to the “Masculinity as Homophobia” article, “Peace of mind, relief from gender struggle, will come only from a politics of inclusion, not exclusion, from standing up for equality and justice, and not by running away,” which is basically a solution that avoids giving a solution. He suggests that we must fight for equality and justice, which will then spread awareness and open people’s viewpoints. Although this is true, it is much easier said than done. The main thing that will allow for change to happen is for other people to be able to develop their sociological imagination. Just as with almost anything, education is key. Once people are educated about the construction of gender roles and it’s effects on the behavior of individuals, people can not only be aware of their own actions and how they fit into gender roles, but also then pass that on to the next generation, and use their power as agents of socialization to help spread the understanding of the social construct of gender. Once again, that is easier said than done. Taking small steps such as the article about Target stopping the labeling of children’s toys and boys or girls, can help spread the idea of gender being fluid, and not predetermined at birth. With that comes the issue of protests and opposition, which puts a roadblock in the way of any progress than can be made. But just as any movement, time will help change happen, and the only thing anyone can really do is develop their own sociological imagination and then use their power as an agent of socialization to spread it to their friends, family, colleagues, etc.
