Dimensions of Human Behavior and Development - Essay Example

Hutchison (2010) refers to gender identity, which significantly dictates how individuals perceive themselves, both as a person and in comparison with other individuals.

              For example, as a result of the preference offered to male children when I was growing back in Israel, I developed a sense of inferiority for being the ‘weaker sex’ (Hutchison, 2010). Many of the values that were associated with Jewish society distinctly defined my identity. Although I have upheld some of the group and background’s values, I have since done away with those that do not match the needs of the current society, as well as those that I perceive meaningless. Some of the personality traits that I can trace to my reference cultural group and background include my observance of Kosher, my identification with Jewish religious values and adherence, and the centrality of the family as a social circle.

            Therefore, my exposure to the American culture has influenced my departure from some of the personality identity traits that I had developed as a result of my association and upbringing within a Jewish group. Other factors that have played a role in my departure from such personality identity include education and the changes that have occurred in society (Hutchison, 2010). As a result, I no longer believe in the superiority of the male child, and I do not regard men as being more equal than women within society. In addition, I no longer believe that the man is supposed to be the sole breadwinner within the family. As described by the role theory, such misplaced values had been fostered by acting out of the socially defined roles within my social circles, including my family, the school, and society in general (Hutchison, 2010). For example, the reasons that fostered my belief in the man as being the superior gender include the fact that men should be educated, so that they can provide for their families.

            In addition, the fact that I noticed that all leadership roles and family upkeep went to men, and not women means that the above-mentioned values are fostered within the social circles. Concerning ethical identity, the values of the traditional Jewish community emphasize a male superiority complex, which is evident from the traditional division of labor and chores (Hutchison, 2010).

             There are some choices that I made consciously regarding my identity, including the fact that both sexes are entitled to education to enhance their career development, so they can be able to become the breadwinners in their families. It is through the different conscious choices about my identity that I decided to go back to school at the age of 15; thereafter, I have been very vocal in championing the education of my children, including the one who is disabled. After moving to New York to pursue my education, I witnessed women undertaking leadership roles and taking care of their families, which significantly changed my perception of the role of women in society (Hutchison, 2010). In addition, the support of my non-traditional husband was a major force in the changes that I adopted later in life, mainly because he supported me and accepted my financial help as well as educating our children.

            The social comparison theory is a model based on the belief that there is an internal drive for self-evaluation, which allows individuals to evaluate their abilities and opinions, by comparing themselves with others (Hutchison, 2010). The aim of the evaluations is the reduction of uncertainty and improving self-definition.  The application of the theory in my life became evident after I moved to New York when I started questioning the beliefs developed earlier about the inferiority of women, the insignificance of their education, and the role of the man as the sole breadwinner. Through the evaluations, I sought to reduce the uncertainty of my life by getting an education and nurturing my career. Even more importantly, I have entrenched similar modern values in my daughter by educating her. Furthermore, I believe in educating my disabled child, so she can become her breadwinner since my conviction is that disability is not inability.

            In conclusion, the social development and the education gained while living in the US have allowed me to look at education and life, in general, in a different way. For example, during my childhood years, I believed that education enabled men to take care of their families, but that changed, and now I believe that education is a means to getting a better life and higher living standards for men as well as women. The dominant aspects of my identity include that I believe in the education of both girl and the boy child. I believe in the significance of education, and I identify with the changing society since I espouse the fact that the best survival comes from accepting change (Hutchison, 2010). The environment plays an important role in shaping the identity of a person, for example, after coming to New York the lifestyle of the people changed my outlook about education; which made me go back to school (Hutchison, 2010). The influence on identity is evident through the efforts am channeling toward my 15-year daughter and 13 years-old disabled child’s education, which exemplifies my belief in education.