In every culture, cultural constructs will be found. What are the cultural constructs found in the U.S., and how are they used to define gender in society? Compare gender constructs in Pastoralist societies. What differences do you find between the United States and a Pastoralist society? The issue of race not being something innate to nature but created by people and hence varying in expression from society to society. As a (friendly) neighbor, i have observed Americans to often believe that if you are "one drop" African or native/Indian then you are no longer white. While this view is less common today, people continue to believe that if you are one-quarter of "African descent", for example, then you are "African American". If races were a fact of biology, which they are not, then person three-quarters "white" should not be "African". It is culture that drives people to make selective decisions about what biological "facts" are used to make the assignment "African", "white" etc.

What is your question?

What are the cultural constructs found in the U.S., and how are they used to define gender in society? Compare gender constructs in Pastoralist societies. What differences do you find between the United States and a Pastoralist society?

In American society, some traits are considered either male or female. Baby boys are usually dressed in blue, while baby girls are usually dressed in pink. Can you imagine a boy playing with Barby and Ken dolls? Women are often the primary care givers and chief cooks and bottle washers in the home.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_construction_of_gender_difference

http://ilri.org/infoserv/Webpub/fulldocs/Workp27/Gender.htm

Thank you Ms. Sue

You're welcome, Jimmy.

Cultural constructs are the ideas, beliefs, values, and norms that are created and shared by a particular culture or society. In the United States, there are several cultural constructs that are used to define gender in society. These constructs include traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and stereotypes associated with masculinity and femininity.

Traditional gender roles in the U.S. define certain behaviors, activities, and characteristics as being appropriate for men or women. For example, men are often expected to be assertive, competitive, and independent, while women are expected to be nurturing, caring, and cooperative. These gender roles help shape societal expectations and influence how people are expected to behave, dress, and interact with others.

Stereotypes also play a role in defining gender in U.S. society. Stereotypes are generalized beliefs or assumptions about the characteristics, behaviors, and roles of individuals based on their gender. For example, stereotypes may include the belief that men are better at math and science, while women are better at nurturing and communication skills. These stereotypes can limit opportunities and perpetuate inequality based on gender.

In contrast, Pastoralist societies, which are characterized by a reliance on livestock farming, may have different gender constructs. Pastoralist societies often have a more fluid and flexible view of gender roles compared to the U.S. While there may still be expectations for men and women, the division of labor and responsibilities can vary based on factors like availability of resources, environmental conditions, and cultural norms within each specific community.

Pastoralist societies may exhibit more equality between genders in terms of labor and decision-making, as both men and women are involved in tasks such as herding livestock, managing household responsibilities, and participating in community decision-making processes. This differs from the traditional gender roles and expectations often seen in the U.S., where certain tasks and occupations are more strongly associated with either men or women.

Regarding the issue of race, it is important to recognize that race is a social construct rather than a biological fact. Different societies and cultures have diverse ways of defining and categorizing race. In the United States, historical context and societal attitudes have shaped the perception of racial identity.

The notion of being "one drop" African or native/Indian no longer categorizing a person as white reflects historical racial attitudes and the legacy of slavery and discrimination in the U.S. In the past, the "one-drop rule" was used to enforce racial segregation and maintain a strict racial hierarchy, where any amount of African ancestry would classify a person as non-white.

However, perceptions and understanding of racial identity have evolved over time. Today, there is greater recognition of individual and cultural diversity, and many people reject the notion of assigning a person's racial identity based solely on a specific percentage of ancestry. However, it is important to note that individual beliefs and societal attitudes may vary, and not everyone shares these more progressive views.

Ultimately, the categorization and assignment of racial identities are socially constructed and influenced by cultural norms, historical context, and individual perspectives. It is essential to understand the social, cultural, and historical forces that shape these constructs and challenge assumptions or biases that may perpetuate inequality or discrimination.