im studying for test and I am supposed to write about "what are gender roles, how do they effect,, influence, inform our conceptions of masculinity and feiminity. I especially don't get the femininty and masculinity part. Thanks and I appreciate ur help!
Read this article about femininity. Then click on the "masculinity" link in the first paragraph.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femininity
Sure, I'd be happy to help! Let's start by understanding what gender roles are. Gender roles refer to the social and behavioral expectations associated with being male or female in a particular society or culture. These expectations can vary across different societies and also change over time.
To understand how gender roles affect, influence, and inform our conceptions of masculinity and femininity, you can consider the following steps:
1. Research and Define Gender Roles: Start by researching and understanding the typical societal expectations for males (masculinity) and females (femininity) in your own culture or the culture you are studying. Look for specific traits, behaviors, and responsibilities that are typically associated with each gender.
2. Analyze Gender Stereotypes: Gender roles often lead to gender stereotypes, which are generalized beliefs or assumptions about the attributes, abilities, and behaviors of males and females. Analyze how these stereotypes influence our understanding of masculinity and femininity. For example, some common stereotypes may associate masculinity with strength, assertiveness, and independence, while femininity may be associated with nurturing, sensitivity, and submissiveness.
3. Study Socialization Processes: Explore how gender roles are internalized and passed on to individuals through socialization processes. Socialization occurs primarily through family, education, media, and peer influences. Consider how individuals are encouraged to adopt certain gendered behaviors using these socialization agents.
4. Examine Cultural Context: Understand that gender roles are influenced by cultural norms, values, and historical factors. Different cultures may have different expectations for masculinity and femininity. For example, some cultures may value collectivism and emphasize communal responsibilities, while others may prioritize individualism and assertiveness.
5. Consider Intersectionality: Recognize that gender roles intersect with other social identities such as race, class, sexuality, and ethnicity, leading to different experiences and expectations for individuals. This can further shape our conceptions of masculinity and femininity and add complexity to their understanding.
By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you should gain a better understanding of how gender roles impact our conceptions of masculinity and femininity. Remember to support your arguments with examples, quotes, and references to strengthen your analysis. Good luck with your test!