Original von Dillbarjaani
hey ich hab hier noch was andres gefunden...such nämlich grad auch was zu gender roles für mich selbst..ich stells hier einfach ma rein...is vll hilfreich

GENDER ROLES

Definition
behavioural norms associated particularly with males or females varying from society to society / culture to culture
è gender roles are imposed from without (= through different influences), whereas sexuality comes from within

Formation of gender roles in modern society
( I ) Biology
- it is unclear whether one’s gender identity is naturally given or adapted
- it is proven that hormones differ from men to women and therefore cause natural differences between the sexes
- studies have proven that female brains are stronger in the left hemisphere (responsible for language etc) whereas male brains are stronger in the right hemisphere (responsible for logic etc)

( II ) Socialization
= the process through which the individual learns and accepts roles; usually by encouraging wanted and discouraging unwanted behaviour (whether conscious or unconscious)

influences are:
o Parents
- parents are the natural role-model for children
- they are likely to treat baby boys and girls in the way their culture insists: in the western hemisphere, girls are more likely to be appreciated for their looks while boys are more likely to be appreciated for their achievements

o School
- teachers are mostly regarded as omniscient authorities and therefore pass along cultural expectations

o Peers
- peer pressure is usually a means of reinforcing traditional gender roles, e.g. teasing boys for “girly” behaviour
- resisting takes a strong ego; however, it is unclear whether a naturally strong ego makes the individual more likely to resist or whether resisting makes the individual develop a stronger ego

o Institutions
- e.g. mass media, toy industry
- may either promote traditional or modern role views


TRADITIONAL AND NEW ROLES

Traditional Role
- segregation
- gender-specific education
- career and professional advancement unimportant for women -> instead, their profession is housekeeping and childcare
- the man has the last say (“strong sex”) -> women are considered inferior
- the man has to be the breadwinner, successful and strong (not emotional!)

New Role
- started during industrialization, supported by the absence of men due to the war
- co-education of women and men
- equality in profession and household chores
- decisions are made by both partners
- women often face a double burden: household / childcare AND a professional career
- women took on many roles previously reserved for men, while the matching process for males takes longer and is still fairly new, leading to different views of modern men:
>Sensitive New Age Man: traditional male gender role combined with female empathy and emotionality
>Metrosexual Man: male with feminine habits