Gender And Social Care Essay

I agree that “Gendering shapes not only who cares for whom, but also what they do and how they care” (Gouws & van Zyl, 2014: 114). This essay focusses on gender as a social construct, on care as a process and how these two concepts overlap. I intend to elaborate on the idea that the type of care provided is ultimately a result of gendering.

Even though /(Despite the fact that) society experiences constant change, there is still a need to be critical of the way in which gendering occurs. To do this one needs to comprehend what gender is or what it entails. Gender can be defined as a social construct which regulates the behaviour of males and females. The concept of gender is thus controlled by heteronormative ideals, which is expected to be adhered to. Males and females are to perform acts of masculinity and femininity respectively. It is important to note, however, that hegemonic discourses of gender- as being determined by sex- is inaccurate. “Sex

Socialisation involves both the act of being taught as well as adopting the norms and expectations of a specific society. (Consequently, this determines an individual’s position (or role) in society based on their sex) OR (As such the roles occupied by males and females in society are determined). [TUT RESPONSE PIECE]. For a great part of my life, while growing up, I was only exposed to heterosexual individuals and I was taught that being with someone of the opposite sex is what is right. With this came ideas of what males should and should not do. I was expected to play with cars; to wear clothing for boys; my hair had to be cut (as girls were the only ones/who could flaunt their with long hair); I also had to help with maintenance at home but was restricted to jobs outside the house. And these are just some of the gendered practices that I have been exposed