Katelyn temple’s blog

This portfolio has greatly contributed to my understanding of differences that exist between men and women and why these differences occur.  I also feel that I am better able to recognize gender differences in real life situations.  While doing the portfolio I noticed several reoccurring themes. 

            First, and possibly most importantly, stereotypes and assumed gender-roles have a great impact on both men and women.  As a whole, society places certain expectations on men and women.  This puts pressure on the two genders to act in certain ways.  These assumed gender roles are placed upon children at a very young age, which causes them to grow up under the impression that they must act how their gender is supposed to.  This greatly limits individuals, and does not promote diversity.  There should not be a certain way women are supposed to act and a certain way men are supposed to act.  In order to achieve gender equality, we need to work to do away with these gender-role stereotypes.  If a woman can cry and display emotions, she should not think less of a man for doing the same.  And if a man can work full-time, and be independent, a woman should not be criticized for this lifestyle. 

            Next, the status of women has significantly improved, but we still have a great way to go.  Since Seneca Falls in 1848, women have made great progress.  Women now have the right to vote and earn a salary, but full equality has yet to be achieved.  This is evident in many ways.  For example, women frequently are victims of sexual harassment, there are different expectations for them in the workplace, they are not paid as much as men, and are limited by the glass ceiling.  If full equality did exist, these problems would not be reality.  Another problem is the negative connotation of feminism.  Society needs to be more aware of the meaning and goals of feminist, and more open to it.  Based on my blog entries related to the status of women, I fully believe that women’s progress is hindered by stereotypes and expectations.  Women are limited by the roles society expects them to fulfill, and they are frequently criticized for going against gender norms. 

            Until taking this class, I never realized how powerful the media truly is.  The messages that are sent by the media in regards to gender shock me.  The way men and women are portrayed is not only unrealistic, but unacceptable.  Whether coming from the news, a television show, magazine, or film, men and women are portrayed in very stereotypical ways.  Men are the breadwinners, while women are the homemakers.  Men are shown as strong, independent, athletic and overall, more important.  Women are shown as attractive, thin, unintelligent, relationship obsessed, and dramatic.  Portraying the genders in this way practically is a self-fulfilling prophecy.  When we see people act in these ways on television, especially when they are famous, we come to believe that this is how we are supposed to act.  Also, if we do not look like the celebrities do, or act in these ways, our self-esteem more often than not, lowers drastically. 

            Overall, it is evident that gender-role stereotypes need to end.  Society needs to focus more on individuality, rather than gender expectations.  If this were the case, equality would be much easier to achieve.  The stereotypes that society places on both men and women prevent individuals from expressing their thoughts and emotions openly, achieving their goals, and living their desired lifestyle.

” Women are socialized to communicate their approachability and friendliness and to respond on the whole openly and freely, men are socialized to suppress their facial expressions in order to communicate their sense of reserve and self-control” (Gamble and Gamble, 97). 

This purely is coming from personal experience, however, I couldn’t agree more with this.  Smiling is a natural behavior, that is exhibited by both males and females, yet somehow women smile more.  Maybe women are just happier, but I highly doubt that is the cause.  At a young age, girls are taught they are supposed to be cute.  Being cute and smiling naturally go together.  I babysit an 18 month old and seven year old girl.  I’ve loved being able to watch their behaviors and see how they compare to what I’ve learned in the class.  One thing I have noticed is how much the 18 month old smiles. She could have just had the biggest fit ever, but after if you tell her smile, she does.  This definitely is because she knows she gets more positive attention when she appears happy.  Even a child this young knows people enjoy being around others who appear happy.  When I see other young boys at the pool, I’ve noticed their lack of facial expressions.  If a stranger says ‘Hi’ to the 18 month old girl, she ALWAYS smiles.  If someone says ‘hi’ to some of these boys they either ignore them or respond with a blank stare.  This is a result of socialization and gender stereotypes.  For all ages, it is fine for girls to display emotions.  However, when boys display such emotions they do not receive the same reactions.  I think it is especially interesting that when a boy is throwing a fit over who knows what, their father’s typically frown upon it.  The boy’s father does not say “oh, poor baby… It’s okay… awww” they tell them to stop it, be a man, or stop being a wimp.  Since boys directly relate to their dads, and have a connection based on that, they are influenced to act how their father’s tell them.

Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The Gender Communication Connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company

Just as men and women communicate in different ways, they construct their self-concept in different ways. ” While a man’s sense of self is defined through his ability to achieve results, a woman’s sense of self is defined through her feelings and the guality of her relationships” (Gamble and Gamble, 48).   Men are more independent than women, so tend to form their sense of self based on their independence.  Unlike girls, boys feel being independent is very important.  This leads them to engage in activities on their own.  Girls, on the other hand, define their sense of self based on relationships with others.  This is influenced at an early age, as girls are close with their mothers, so unlike boys, are not as independent.  The very popular book, Men Are From mars, Women Are From Venus, clearly agrees with Gamble and Gamble’s view on sense of self.  

“ A man’s sense of self is defined through his ability to achieve results.
A woman’s sense of self is defined through her feelings and the quality of her relationships” (Gray). 

 

The fact that this popular novel expresses these views is very important.  I have never read this book, but know it has been very popular, and many people take it very seriously.  The first time I heard of the book was before age ten, when it was mentioned in the movie Clueless.  I agree with the idea of men defining their sense of self through accomplishments, and women defining sense of self through relationships, but think this belief has implications, especially when reinforced through such a popular book.  Beliefs such as this limit men and women, and empower the typical gender stereotypes.  Both genders should be regarded to as individuals, assumptions shouldn’t be made fully based on gender.  Some men may value relationships more, while other women may place a greater emphasis on their achievements.  For a man or woman who defines their sense of self in a way that is not common for their gender, this may make them feel uncomfortable and question themselves.  I do not think my sense of self is based on relationships with others, I am more inclined to say that personal accomplishments matter more to me.  It makes me semi-uncomfortable knowing I am different in regards to the gender stereotype.  Though stereotypes such as this may be the norm, they should not be reinforced through such popular forms of media, as they lower self-esteem for an individual who is different.

Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The Gender Communication Connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company

Gray, J (1992). Men are from mars, women are from venus. Harper Collins.

When we think of sexual discrimination, more often than not, we picture women as the victim.  Women tend to have jobs of a lower status than men and also lack authority.  Women receive lower pay rates than men, earning about 72 cents for every dollar men earn (Gamble and Gamble, 269).  Even though in most cases, women are the victims of sexual discrimination, it is important to remember men also can be victimized.  Jobs such as elementary-school teacher, secretary, or nurse, are frequently fields that are dominated by women.  Though these jobs clearly are professional, they are “labeled semi-professions” (Gamble and Gamble, 269).  This implication affects both men and women. 

If a male desires to be a teacher or nurse, he frequently is discriminated against, because he does not meet the normal standard for that job.  He may meet all the qualifications, but may not be hired as a result of gender.  I think their is the belief that teachers and nurses are supposed to be women, so when a male enters the field, the difference may be unsettling.  It is possible that bosses, or those doing the hiring feel as if people are more comfortable with a female teacher or nurse, so are not inclined to hire men in these fields.

To play devils advocate, in fields such as nursing, or teaching, men may also have an advantage by being the minority.  “When males are in the minority they are often placed on the fast track or what has been termed the glass escalator that ends up reinforcing the gendered distribution of power and status” (Gamble and Gamble, 269).  With this, when men are hired into a field such as nursing or teaching, they frequently are paid more.  This greatly impacts a woman’s ability to succeed in her line of work, and reinforces gender roles.  From my point of view, a male would be paid more, or have more benefits, because he is thought to be more powerful or expected to perform better, on the basis that he is male.  This is unfair, as it disadvantages women, and also prevents working towards equality, and ending gender-role stereotypes.

Female stereotypes: representation in popular culture. Retrieved June 13, 2009, from Carlisle History Web site: http://carlislehistory.dickinson.edu/?page_id=215

Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W. (2003). The Gender Communication Connection. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company