Social Construction Of Gender Roles Essay

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Gender is a complex concept, but it is essentially the characteristics between men and women, that is not based on biology but is socially constructed. Although often confused with sex, gender is not the same as sex which is the biological characteristic of a person. Gender is completely socially constructed based on the tasks, functions, and roles associated with men and women in society. The concept of gender and sex, in general, are very rigid and binary concept to a lot of people. Although not the same gender and sex are used interchangeably, especially in western society. Rather than person gender being connected to their self and outlook on life, gender is locked away behind whatever cultural and societal box that the world around you …show more content…

Before, I describe how I look at my gender every day I want to look at how general society treats gender. Society constantly places ideas concerning proper behaviors regarding gender roles. Over the years, I have noticed that society's gender expectations for men and women are very different. Men are expected to be able to have a source of income for themselves as well as for their families. Women are expected to know how to cook, look after children, and do housework. Men in society are expected to uphold certain standards as well as have specific career goals that they must live up to according to society. A man must be strong and tough through many situations no matter how hard. We cannot show emotion or we will be considered weak. When I think about my gender and what it means I get the immediate sense that I am only being half of myself. What I mean by this is that although I am comfortable with who I am there is always a small part of my true gender self that I hide from others. This comes in many forms such as such trying act tougher or acting more aggressive. One particular example being how I sometimes feel the need to talk more like an alpha male when seeing my girlfriend talking to other men. I think my situation, in particular, relates heavily to our

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