Cassmariepeterson77

Topic: "Genderscape"

Citation: Connell, R 1987, Gender & Power, Polity Press, Cambridge.

I really liked reading about your topic because I think it correlates nicely with mine- about interlocking oppressions. The way you describe the history of how sociology and the male dominance that rules the world (so to speak) is important. I didn't find any grammar or spelling edits. You did great!

Genderscapes; The Comparison Between Gender and Culture

Across the globe, we are surrounded by various types of people who range in their beliefs, practices, judgments, and views about the world. Thousands of different cultures cover the Earth, each containing their own unique qualities. “Culture consists of the beliefs, practices, and material objects that are created and shared within a group of people, thus constituting their way of life (Spade & Valentine, 2011. The distinctive ways that different genders behave and conduct themselves in different cultures are known as “genderscapes.” Although many gender differences are apparent and noticeable from the surface, there are also several gender differences that not many are aware of, especially when bringing in different cultures into the picture. Gender differentiation does not just occur across the United States, but around the world. What makes individuals act and portray themselves as they do? Expectations of one’s culture could be the primary answer.

Genderscapes

Although every single individual in this world holds their own, individual personality, there are some similarities in personality when grouped into genders. “There is considerable controversy over whether gender roles are purely cultural creations or whether they reflect preexisting and natural differences between the sexes in abilities and predispositions (Eagly, 1995; Geary, 1999). Many theories have proposed several ideas about as to why men and women have significantly different personality traits. Such theories propose personality traits are due to social aspects, psychological aspects, pure biology, or a mixture of the few. As a whole, the fact that men are more masculine and dominant while women tend to be submissive and potentially passive can be explained by biological theories as well as social psychological theories (Costa et al., 2001). Biological theories include sex-related differences such as women holding the ability for pregnancy, therefore by nature are more nurturing and “mother-like.” Hormonal differences in the body causing different emotions, moods, and personality amongst men and women can also be explained by biological theories. Social psychological theories account for a more direct cause for gender differences. These direct causes include environmental influences, perceived expectations, and the culture we are surrounded by (Costa, et al., 2001). Environmental influences vary amongst cultures. Advertisements and social media effect individuals and the way they are thinking and/or feeling about their own and other’s gender. Two significant theories are proposed as to what effect these advertisement may have on individuals in every culture. One called the “mirror” explanation, propes that advertisements reflect values within each society; any stereotypes present simply represent the true attitudes towards certain groups of people (Kay & Furnham, 2013). The other explanation, know as the “mold” explanation, proposes that advertisements are trying to influence the values and opinions of individuals to thing and feel a certain way towards a certain group (Kay & Furnham, 2013). Whether magazines, television commercials, billboards, or other advertisements, most every culture is influences in some way by media, shaping ideas and beliefs about gender.

Dominance in Males Across Cultures

Several studies have been conducted about the idea of genderscapes; gender differences compared to different cultures. It has been observed that different cultures around the world hold different expectations of how men and women should act and behave in their everyday life. Several cultures (including the American culture), view the “idealized male” as offering strength and security, the dominant, hard-working provider that takes on masculine roles. Opposed to this, in most cultures (including the American culture), women are viewed as inferior to men; the cook, housewife, and passive gender. China and India are both examples of cultures where the women are dominated by the masculinity of men in several different aspects in their lives, including relationships. Other cultures such Ju/’hoansi of Namibia and Botswana, men and women are viewed as equal and both are respected as both have equal opportunity to become powerful and respected leaders in their community (Spade & Valentine, 2011). On a personal level, recent research has shown that although cultures can be extremely different, some internal beliefs, actions, and even dreams aren’t so different after all. A study conducted on Iranian and American college students concluded that each group had somewhat similar dreams and aggressive behaviors and tendencies (Mazandarani et al., 2013). Being that Iran and the United States have exceptionally different cultures, this is evidence of biological factors that shape our personalities.

“The Self” Across Cultures

Differences in the “self” are quite different across cultures for each gender. Eastern societies are thought to portray more of an interdependent self, focusing on family support and close relationships. Western cultures (Middle-Eastern countries) were found to have more of an independent self, encouraging self-regulation and individualism. Western values, beliefs, and social norms also put emphasis on the self, rather than the group, emphasizing individual independence and self-autonomy (Collectivist vs. Individualistic). In comparison to Western families and expectations, Eastern families emphasize the issue of respecting the elders and being polite and respectful in any social situation (Mazandarani et at., 2013).