Gender and Sexual Studies - Essay Example

For the past decades, there have been contentious issues on the subject of gender differences, especially on the aspect of nurture versus nature. Some people suggest that nature plays a crucial role in defining gender differences while others believe that nurture is what differentiates children's behavior. In these responses, it is important to note that both nurture and nature play a crucial role in exploring gender differences. Various examples show how stereotypical gender plays a crucial role in classifying boys' or girls' behavior. For instance, boys like to play with toys, cars, and trucks. On the other hand, baby girls prefer nurturing, cooperative, and doll play. In school, most boys excel in math and science subjects while girls in art and literature. Girls read, write, and talk earlier than boys do. Girls are also more empathetic and emotional with other people than boys. However, boys are physically active and more aggressive than girls.

According to Kimmel (22), hormonal and genetic factors define gender differences. This research assumes that biological sex determined behavioral differences. This research shows that the variation in gender is explored in the definitions of femininity and masculinity. Biologically, men carry different levels of testosterone and brain structure than women. This explains why most men are sex driven than women. It also explains why most women are more emotional, moody, and sensitive than men. Still, newborn girls are more sensitive to sound and touch than newborn boys. They also show more interest in holding eye contact and communicating with others than boys. Girls with CAH, which is an enzyme deficiency that produces male hormones in girls’ fetuses, may show interest in sports activities and become more muscular in the future.

However, other studies reveal nature plays a crucial role in gender stereotypes. For instance, Kimmel (35) argues that children are exposed to their environment from the minute they are born. Girls are more likely to behave like their mothers than their fathers, while boys are more likely to imitate their father’s behavior. Girls learn household chores at a tender age because of having quality time with their mothers while boys learn manual work. In most cases, girls are more pampered than boys and this makes them more emotional than boys. Children learn some behavior from the media. For instance, the media portrays female characters as emotional, romantic, and fragile. On the other hand, the media portrays male characters as bold, more enterprising, and more active. Most commercials for boys are loud and stimulating while those for girls are quiet and soothing. With this in mind, children who watch more TV shows exhibit more gender stereotypes about boys and girls. At a tender age, the child begins to understand how he or she should behave in society as dictated by nature.

In society, certain human traits are socially specialized for only one sex. For instance, boys are expected to be muscularly strong while girls are not. Girls are also expected to be emotional, sensitive, caring, loving, and submissive. In some instances, society expects women to nurture, cook for their spouses, and go shopping. It is important to note that, culture plays a vital role in gender differences. In most cultures, women perform household chores and are responsible for child care. However, most cultures demand men to provide for their families. In African countries, men are more empowered than women. With this, it is evident that traditions and social customs contribute to gender ideologies and differences. Most muscular men participate more in bodybuilding competitions while women participate more in the public sector because of the nature of performing childcare duties.

Several theorists have attempted to explain gender inequality and the division of labor. For instance, Kimmel (56) points out that, the impact of property ownership, the demand to win the war, and the importance of men participating in hunting and gathering highlights the possible explanations of male domination in society. These facts explain why men crave power and recognition in the society. Men's solidarity explains the need to connect to social life. On the other hand, women's status and role in society revolve around child care. In most cases, women’s role in reproduction limits their economic and social participation. The strong relationship between parents and their children has also played a crucial role in women’s status. Read More