Writting exercises - Research Paper Example

Effect of Gender Embodiment on Masculinity Theories Gender embodiment is a term that has been widely used, especially in the field of sociology and psychology. Generally, gender embodiment can be defined from a social point of view or from a biological point of view. From the psychological side, gender embodiment is taken to mean a process of individualization which will involve a number of changes in a person and in his or her relationships with himself and the world. Therefore, gender embodiment will involve a series of stages that humans at times go through.

For instance, females will at times tend to be very egocentric, independent and confident of themselves and of their relationships (Whitson & Birrell, 35). However, at times they will feel so inadequate, vulnerable and insecure. On the other hand, embodiment on the side of males asserts that males tend to develop physical strength and to enhance their masculinity. In addition, embodiment states that the consciousness of males or females is likely to be partly shaped by their body. Bodily knowledge involves an individual’s knowledge of the potential of their body and its capability.

Therefore, gender embodiment tends to change most of the men’s studies that have been put forward. This is because; most of these studies assert that; masculinity is mainly meant for the men and that it is a factor that differentiates them from women. However, according to embodiment of gender, each person can know their body and understand its functioning and thus, be able to work as it agrees. For instance, the materialist female’s theory states that; every individual’s body has the potential for collective empowerment and change (Theberge, 499).

This implies that; masculinity in men’s studies is not a characteristic that can be used to distinguish men from women (Howson, 37).Gender embodiment also changes men’s studies since; it asserts that females can also engage in activities which have been set aside as belonging to men only. While masculinity studies assert that it is only men who can participate in certain sports such as hockey, embodiment states that females can also participate since in such sports since; all they need is to consciously understand their body and what it is capable of doing.

Gender embodiment states that a person does not have to define his or her nature according to what masculinity theories state. This is because; our bodies are subject to change and adaptability. Therefore, all we need it is to train our bodies and they will learn and adapt. In addition, the social distinction of a person is not defined by his or her masculinity. Therefore; while masculinity studies state that men are more sociable in the society due to their masculinity; gender embodiment changes this presumption by stating that women can also be sociable and be capable of the same activities as men.

Therefore; unlike men’s studies which state that leadership positions in the society should be left to men coz of their masculinity and ability to command, gender embodiment states that women can also engage in such activities. This is because; they can also have their body adapt to such activities.In conclusion, gender embodiment changes the men’s studies since; it does not take into consideration the masculinity of men in the society. Contrary, it believes that every individual’s body has the potential to change depending on how they perceive it (Howson, 142).

Works CitedWhitson D., and Birrell S. The embodiment of gender: discipline, domination and empowerment. NY: Cengage Learning, 1994. Print.Howson, Alexandra. Embodying Gender. London: SAGE, 2005. Print.Theberge, Nancy. "No Fear Comes : Adolescent Girls, Ice Hockey, and the Embodiment of Gender." Youth & Society 34.4 (2003): 497-516. Print.