IndexIntroductionGender Roles in SocietyConclusionReferencesIntroductionIntroduction: In our world, women and men are expected to achieve a level of masculinity and femininity. These expectations help label their specific gender. Men and women are based on interests, roles and behaviors that originate from birth and are taught and passed down from generation to generation. Through these generations the discovery of the theory of Social Construction developed. In today's society, there is a structured lifestyle for men and women. We are taught from an early age what is right and what is wrong based on our gender. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayGender Roles in SocietyThesis Statement: Everything humans learn from a young age is classified and assigned to each respective gender. There are acceptable social norms for women and norms for men. This is called social construction theory. This theory provides the knowledge to understand why humans can behave in a certain way. This theory explains that the outcomes of history, economic factors, and the culture of social values ​​determine what roles both men and women are expected to play. Topic Sentence: These factors can have an influence on gender roles, behaviors that are determined to be “allowable” for certain genders, and specific differences between the two genders. Evidence and Citations: In the article “Introduction to Beyond the Natural Body” by Nelly Oudshoorn, the author shows how “scientists are actively constructing reality, rather than discovering reality” (Oudshoorn). For thousands of years many believed that there was no difference between the male and female body. “…For two thousand years, male and female bodies were not conceptualized in terms of differences…” (Oudshoorn). Comment: The only fundamental difference between the two sexes was that the female body was a “lesser” version of the male one. Only in later years was it shown that the two sexes were very different due to the understanding of the reproductive organs and their functions. Relating this to social construction theory, it has been shown that, due to past explanations of the sexes, women have been seen as the passive sex compared to men and this view has continued, generations later. Topic Sentence: The notion of female inferiority and male superiority can also be noted in Emily Martin's "The Egg and the Sperm" article, where the theme of romance between stereotypical male and female roles is further discussed. Evidence and Citations: Through this article, it is evident that many scientific information believes that "...male and female reproductive organs as systems for the production of valuable substances, such as eggs and sperm." (Martin). Comment: While they may see this as the same for both genders, it does not appear to be the same. One has a higher level of respect than the other. For women, egg production is "wasteful" compared to male sperm production. Evidence and quote: According to Martin, women begin their lives with two million eggs in their ovaries, “only 300,000 eggs remain at puberty, and only a few are present at menopause” (Martin) compared to men “who produce 100 million sperm per day during a reproductive life of sixty years.” (Martino) Comment: This point shows that men actually produce and waste more sperm than women over their lifetime, but because women are passive, they are theeasier sex to blame. Even before the birth of the child, female eggs are called to act "feminine" while sperm are "male". Looking at how conception works, the eggs never move and the sperm meets the eggs, making the eggs once again “passive”. Evidence and quotes: Gerald Schatten and Helen Schatten report the role of eggs in Sleeping Beauty. “A sleeping bride waiting for the magical kiss of her partner who instills in her the spirit that makes her live” (Martin). Comment: Before conception begins, the female is overwhelmed by the association with the term “passive,” even though this is beyond the woman's control. This relates to social construction theory as society (as a social entity) is establishing gender roles within a community that is beyond human control. With words like "passive" and "masculine" society determines roles and behaviors even outside of human control. Topic sentence: Using social construction theory it became clear why some gender stereotypes are the way they are today. Evidence and Quotes: Over time, humans have created such “rules” for girls and boys and what is appropriate for both. Dolls can only be used by girls, while trucks and the outdoors are only for boys. Comment: It is my opinion that this theory has become useful in understanding gender stereotypes and why males and females are perceived in different lights. The ancestors of the time have always followed this certain way of separating the sexes. Evidence and citations: This approach has only provided more information to understand the stories that the media has encouraged in this way of deciding who is who, or the stories portrayed because of the way it goes against gender norms. Through my experiences working in a daycare, I have seen firsthand how many parents follow these social norms. Comment: They never want their sons to play with dolls or dress up and their daughters to never play with dirt. Unfortunately, these social influences are still present today. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Concluding Paragraph: In conclusion, social construction theory has led many to understand where gender roles came from. The roles and occupations that women and men commonly perform are what our society teaches and guides them too. Women in our society may always be labeled as “passive” and men are always told to be “masculine,” but this may change with future generations to come. One day women may be accepted for being more "masculine" and men "feminine", allowing future generations to feel good in their own skin. ReferencesBrickell, C. (2006). The sociological construction of gender and sexuality. The Sociological Review, 54(1), 87-113. (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-954X.2006.00603.x)DeCecco, J. P., & Elia, J. P. (1993). A critique and synthesis of biological essentialism and social constructionist views of sexuality and gender. Journal of Homosexuality, 24(3-4), 1-26. (https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v24n03_01)Cheng, R.P. (2009). Sociological theories of disability, gender and sexuality: A review of the literature. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(1), 112-122. (10.1080/10911350802631651) Ridgeway, C. (1991). The social construction of status value: gender and other nominal characteristics. Social Forces, 70(2), 367-386. (https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/70.2.367) Haslanger, S. (2017). Gender and social construction: who? What? When? Where?.