Gender as a Social Construction and Structure - PDF

GENDER AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND AS A SOCIAL STRUCTURE  Social Constructionism  is the theory that people develop knowledge of the world in a social context, and that much of what we perceive as reality depends on shared assumptions. ...

GENDER AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND AS A SOCIAL STRUCTURE  Social Constructionism  is the theory that people develop knowledge of the world in a social context, and that much of what we perceive as reality depends on shared assumptions.  Social Norms  are the unwritten (or sometimes written) rules of society that differ from culture to culture, and make up what’s seen as normal, acceptable, respectful behavior. GENDER STEREOTYPES VS. GENDER STEREOTYPING GENDER STEREOTYPES GENDER STEREOTYPING  Refers to the practice of ascribing to an  A generalized view or individual woman or man specific preconception about attributes or attributes, characteristics or by the reason characteristics or the roles that only of her or his membership in the social are ought to be possessed by, or group of women or men. performed by women and men  Social Interaction  A social interaction is an event that occurs between two or more individuals.  They each use culturally approved methods to communicate certain things or perform appropriate actions. Information is exchanged as a result of social interaction. Social interactions occur every day, and they can even occur without us knowing, such as when we or others use nonverbal communication to express ourselves to others.  Social Relationships  An interaction between individuals that affects every participant. Social relationships include the interactions, which bind people together into sports teams and groups  Social context  is generally used to describe the types of settings in which people are engaged, including the groups with whom they interact and the culture in how they live. Varieties of peoples’ customs, mindsets, traditions, and behaviors all influence their social context.  Social context is also referred to as “social environment.”  Gender Socialization  Is the process of learning the social expectations and attitudes associated with one’s sex.  It occurs through such diverse means as parental attitudes, school, how peers interact with each other and mass media.  Gendering refers to the socialization of persons into a given gender and it begins the moment a child is born.  Four Process of Child’s Learning of Gender Identity A. Manipulation – it means that (example: baby boys are tossed in the people handle girls and boys air while baby girls get more delicate differently, even as infants. handling)  Four Process of Child’s Learning of Gender Identity B. Canalization – it means that people Example: (little boys are given war toys, direct children's’ attention to gender- cars, robots and little girls are given dolls, appropriate objects. tea sets, toy houses) Four Process of Child’s Learning of Gender Identity Verbal appellation – process of telling  (example: brave boy, pretty girl, boys do not children what they are or what is cry, girls don’t hit their playmates) expected of them  Four Process of Child’s Learning of Gender Identity Activity Exposure – process which  (example: girls are expected to do household chores, ensures that children are familiarized care of younger siblings, boys are encouraged to play with gender appropriate tasks. or work outside the home) II. Institutions of Mass Socialization a. Formal Education – attending to school from primary, secondary, tertiary and graduate level b. Mass Media – print media, broadcast media, films c. Religion – most dominant religions teach that gender differentiation and inequality are ordained by God. d. Language – primary mediator in our relationship with the world  Gender Sensitivity  is a way to reduce barriers to personal and economic development created by sexism.  It is also the ability to recognize gender issues, especially the ability to recognize women’s different perceptions and interests arising from their different social locations and different gender roles.  Gender Awareness  It is the ability to identify problems arising from gender inequality and discrimination, even if these are not evident on the surface and are hidden, or are not part of the general and commonly accepted explanation of what and where the problem lies.  Conscientization is the process where individuals analyze gender issues and realize that its causes are gender inequality and discrimination against women in society. YOUTUBE LINKS: A global history of women’s rights, in 3 minutes. Uploaded by UN Women (2020). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_UjYOfmkn8 Gender Equality:Now. Uploaded by Worldfish (2014). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4viXOGvvu0Y GAD is a development perspective that recognizes the unequal status and situations of women and men in society. Development means both the improved material well-being (welfare) of people and the process by which this improved well-being is achieved.  Importance of Studying Gender It shapes the identities and behavioral dispositions of individuals It shapes social interaction It organizes social institutions To sum it up, gender gives shape and meaning to individuals, relations, and institutions References: Chafetz, J. S. (2006). Handbook of the sociology of gender. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC. USA.  Book 2, Gender 101: GAD Dictionary. National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women & Canadian International Development Agency  Moving forward with GAD: A handbook on gender and development for the Sanggunian Committee on women and family. DILG, NCRFW, Women in Nation Building, UN Children’s Fund  Risman, B.J., Froyum, C.M. & Scarborough, W.J. (2018). Handbook of the sociology of gender. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer International Publishing AG. Switzerland.  Wharton, A.S. (2005). The sociology of gender: an introduction to theory and research. Blackwell Publishing. Australia.  https://pitahc.gov.ph/gender-and- davelopment/#:~:text=Gender%20and%20Development%20was%20developed,to%20both  %20men%20and%20women.