Gender Roles Today
In our current society, gender is a hot topic of discussion. It has completely transformed from the roles it placed on men and women, and what was socially acceptable based upon gender, to now having more sensitive discussions about gender as well as a more level playing field when it comes to roles within society. There are many questions that are raised within social structures as to what that means for men and women's roles in the future. Our society is growing and advancing rapidly along with the gender roles we are "given" at birth. The definitions and interpretations of gender, sex, and sexuality are rapidly changing, and are affecting every aspect of our society such as in politics, media, and language. The debate on the meaning of our gender roles in society and the progression toward equality plays a strong role in the influences of society today.
Gender, Sex, and SexualityAccording to WHO, World Health Organization, "gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men – such as norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men." The article continues to go into detail about the conceptions behind gender and the labels we put on it, they state: "While most people are born either male or female, they are taught appropriate norms and behaviours – including how they should interact with others of the same or opposite sex within households, communities and work places. When individuals or groups do not “fit” established gender norms they often face stigma, discriminatory practices or social exclusion – all of which adversely affect health." This definition clearly displays how gender is the social definition or societal opinion of how we define ourselves. The article also brings up that this is very controversial and many people differ in opinion.
Sex on the other hand are the biological traits society associates with gender. According to Planned Parenthood, it's "a label — male or female — that you’re assigned by a doctor at birth based on the genitals you’re born with and the chromosomes you have. It goes on your birth certificate." Because sex is referred to the body makeup at birth it is not as controversial; however surgeries and procedures today make it easier to change sexes.
Sexuality is defined by the Human Rights Campaign as "an inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people." The "people" are not specified by their sex or gender and it leaves a lot of room for individual interpretation. Traditional cultures have a harder time accepting different sexualities and the sexuality "chosen" is especially influenced by religion.
("Gender." WHO)
("Gender and Gender Identity." Planned Parenthood) ("Human Rights Campaign." ) |
Gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men – such as norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men." - WHO, World Health Organization |
Transgenders and Gender FluidityAccording to the GLAAD, "Transgender is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth." Transgenders have put a lot of pressure on society to change the traditional ways of looking at men and women; the concept of being a transgender person forces people to think outside of the typical gender roles. The GLAAD goes on to talk about how "gender identity is a person's internal, personal sense of being a man or a woman (or boy or girl.) For some people, their gender identity does not fit neatly into those two choices. For transgender people, the sex they were assigned at birth and their own internal gender identity do not match."
("Transgender FAQ." ) CNN dives into Gender Identity Terms specifying the differences and connections between genders and sexualities. Gender Fluidity specifically states that a person may lean more towards one gender or another depending on the time; they do not define themselves as a specific gender.
(Gender Identity Terms) |
Our Human AnatomyAlice Dreger opens up the various cases where genders cannot be defined. She presents thought provoking cases which show that the only reasons we have gender is because our society requires one. Therefore Dreger asks the question “Is Anatomy Destiny”?
Gender NeutralGender neutral bathrooms are a hot topic of discussion as many are sensitive to the labels that society places on people. It also causes a lot of controversy for those who have a more traditional view on gender.
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Only two genders?(Steven Crowder)
In this video, Steven Crowder sits outside a college campus to discuss gender. He argues there are only two genders: male and female, while inviting those with a different opinion to "change his mind."
Crowder is not alone in his argument. Those who believe this, typically argue that gender and sex are the same thing and discredit non-binary as a mental disorder. These opinions are generally the same ones who argue against gender neutral bathrooms as well. |
LanguageWhile there is a lot of evidence to prove America is becoming more accepting, phrases like this one are still present. The idea that a man can do whatever they want because it's how they act creates a culture that allows sexism to stick around. Phrases like "Boys will be boys" gives men an excuse for their actions and make women feel like they shouldn't stand up for themselves when they encounter.
Teachers were given a guide to discuss the implications of saying these sexist phrases and to give them options so that they do not rely on them as much. Examples of these phrases are: "He's picking on you because he likes you," and "you're so whipped." They teach students the wrong lessons about respect and kindness at a young age. Always challenges the phrase "like a girl" and turns it into a phrase for female empowerment arguing that doing things "like a girl" can mean doing "amazing things".
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Gender in Politics
(NBC coverage of Presidential Debate)
President Donald Trump was under a lot of media coverage during the 2016 election because of his "locker room talk." While many brushed it off because of the huge time difference, it shows the idea that men can get away with things and have lower standards.
("Trump pressed on women's health, pay equality")
During the election, President Donald Trump was constantly questioned by women for his bias against them. The woman here asks him what he will do for women as a general public sentiment. |
A political cartoon during the 2012 election that displays Mitt Romney as "trapped" between the two genders. This is because he made comments on both male and female voters leading to an overall negative public sentiment towards the issue.
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This map gives the statistics of how many women there are in politics worldwide as of March 2017. It shows how the involvement of women in politics depends on the region. In the US, there are 19.1% of female speakers in parliament.
Lady Gaga's "Born This Way"
Lady Gaga shocked the world in 2011 with her progressive album and song "Born This Way." Her song encouraged transgender individuals by making them feel apart of mainstream media, and not as outcasts in society. (Lady Gaga) "No matter gay, straight, or bi |
Sexualizing Women for Profit
Many companies' commercials have used the tactic of sexualizing women using everything from food to vacuums, trying to entice their consumers to be more compelled to buy the product. Trying to prove why sexualizing women is an immature, preposterous way of advertising, the company, Buzzfeed, recreated 3 common commercials that originally sexualized women eating their food, drinking their beverages, or creating their website. But, instead of using women in the commercials, they switched every woman character for a man, and visa versa. (Women's Roles in Ads Were Played by Men.") |
Oprah Winfrey's Golden Globe Speech
Oprah Winfrey's Golden Globe speech, after accepting the Cecil. B DeMille award, was highly praised for her emphasis on female empowerment. The social icon displayed a lot passion on stage expressing her thoughts and emotions toward equality, no matter race, gender, or any other background.
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("Oprah Winfrey's Golden Globes Speech, Annotated")
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Header: (Clio, Agência. )