A
Media has a significant effect on shaping the structure of a society. Both social media and mainstream media have continually perpetuated gender roles and norms. This is most evident in displays in the ads that represent male and female characteristics (Kukla, 2013). Gender stereotypes shape how society perceives gender, and media is an effective means by which such beliefs are instilled in individual and societal perceptions of gender. Also, the media determines what the acceptable performance of a particular gender is (Kukla, 2013). Media display of gender roles and codes influence how society constructs and views gender (Ross, 2012).
B
Media construction of gender is manifested through advertisements. For instance, commercials to do with cleaning products portray female as the one who cleans the house and does all the chores while the man is seated reading a newspaper. This ad implies that the media sets societal standards for male and female which shapes the way society identifies their roles (Holtzman & Sharpe, 2014). Men are commonly constructed as dominant, financially stable and aggressive while women are stereotyped as nurturing figure and more concerned with feminine beauty.
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C
“ Like a girl” video is full of negativity and implies that women do things in an inferior manner as compared to their male counterparts. Such commercials are disempowering and can have a significant negative impact on girls and women. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs
D
Children are introduced in a social surrounding that stereotypes gender in how they act, speak, dress based upon their assigned sex. However, research conducted by, Zosuls et al. (2011) show that society constructed sex roles are challenged today. For instance, the social construction of women role as caregivers while men role as breadwinner has changed as many couples believe that men and women should spend equal time with children. Today, men have adopted the role of a caregiver and comfortably performing household tasks. Indeed, most families opt for creative patenting to meet the needs of the family regardless of socially expected gender roles.
E
As a man, it is against societal expectation to possess a nurturing personality. I can quickly identify the needs of others and never turn down anyone who needs help. For instance, I take care of my little siblings by preparing food for them whenever my parents are on a trip.
F
Today, most families have changed the traditional gender-appropriate roles in many ways. For example, men are very active in caregiving and women have taken up the role of a breadwinner (Lindsey, 2015) . Both parents spend equal time caring for young children implying that the rigid gender rules associated with caregiving have shifted today ( Watch, 2018).
G
Recently, the media is airing many shows that are contrary to the traditional gender appropriate image around femininity and masculinity. For instance, in the series “Glee” the masculinity was challenged when a men football team sang Beyonce's song “single ladies.” They enjoyed singing the song, and it indicated they were not inferior men. Media should not define people but be a tool that challenges peoples’ perceptions, boost their confidence and make them comfortable with themselves.
H
Gender behaviors are not entirely socially constructed- the society and environment interact to cause gender roles. For example, gender social pressures do not influence girly or boy toy preference, but both biological and social factors influence children to toy choices (Hines & Davis, 2018).
References
Hines, M., & Davis, J. (2018). Sex hormones and children’s gender-typed toy play.
Holtzman, L., & Sharpe, L. (2014). Media messages: What film, television, and popular music teach us about race, class, gender, and sexual orientation . Routledge.
Kukla, A. (2013). Social constructivism and the philosophy of science . Routledge.
Lindsey, L. L. (2015). Gender roles: A sociological perspective . Routledge.
Ross, K. (Ed.). (2012). The handbook of gender, sex, and media . Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Watch, O. (2018). Challenging gender stereotypes in the early years: the power of parents . Our Watch.
Zosuls, K. M., Miller, C. F., Ruble, D. N., Martin, C. L., & Fabes, R. A. (2011). Gender development research in sex roles: Historical trends and future directions. Sex roles , 64 (11-12), 826-842.
