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The Social Construction of Gender: Understanding Its
Impact on Society |
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For many years, it was commonly believed that gender was biologically
determined. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, the emergence of gender studies
challenged this belief and revealed that gender is a social construct. This
understanding gave rise to social constructivism in the social sciences, which
asserts that gender relations and norms are socially constructed, not
biologically predetermined.
The binary system of gender patterns, which divides individuals into male and
female, imposes rigid patterns of behavior, responsibilities, and expectations.
Non-compliance with these patterns often results in disapproval and painful
sanctions. This system also narrows the possibilities of behavior scenarios,
which is why it often becomes a tool for reproducing gender inequality in
society. For example, women who are only viewed as mothers and housekeepers face
significant challenges when aspiring to become president.
However, modern reality offers a wide range of patterns, including gender
behavior. The binary gender system no longer aligns with the requests and
desires of people, and its lack of alternatives contradicts the wide
possibilities of choice in modern society. As such, gender has become an
essential object for sociologists to study, as it is directly related to the
changes taking place in society.
In conclusion, gender is a social construct that is continuously changing over
time. The binary system of gender patterns often imposes rigid and narrow
behaviors, which leads to gender inequality in society. Understanding the social
construction of gender is crucial in breaking down these patterns and promoting
a more inclusive society. |
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