Social Construction gender studies css

 Q. What is the meaning of social construction? How gender is being constructed in society. Illustrate with examples.

Outline:

1.     Introduction

2.     What is social construction

3.     How gender is being constructed in society

4.     Critical analysis

5.     Conclusion

Introduction: Social constructionism as the backbone of gendered debate:

                   “One is not born woman but becomes one.”

                                                 (Simon De Beauvoir)

                   Social constructionism is the backbone of gendered debate. According to this philosophy, individuals’ gendered identities are socially constructed. It is this philosophy that assigns gendered roles and expectations and defines what is normal and socially acceptable in gendered socialization and interaction.

Social constructionism:

                   “The reality lies in the social patterns.”

                                                 (JS Mill)

                   According to social constructionism the truth lies in the social structures. Such social structure gives identity and defines acceptability in the society.

 

Key philosophy of constructionism:

       i.            Philosophy of deconstruction:

It was expounded by Michelle Foucault and Derrida. It raised new question of an individual’s gendered identity.

                                                                                    I

                                                                                 We

                                                                                 They

Key questions of deconstruction                               Who

                                                                                 Why

     ii.            Social constructionism:

Along with philosophy of deconstruction paved the way for queer theory which challenged heterosexuality, gave identity to new genders and explained the social pattern of gendered relations.

         Illustration

 

 

 

Gender trouble             Simon De Beauvoir         Gayle             Judith

by Judith Butler           the second sex                 Roble             Lorber

 

 

 

Gender as a social construct:

                   Gender as a social construct has its roots in the cultural and socialization patterns that define the gendered power relations.

1.     Language:

A gendered analysis of language exposes gendered nature of language.

          Illustration

 

 

Motherhood             Motherland              Sisterhood              Mothercare

2.     Gendered socialization and interaction defines nature of gendered relation:

The patterns of gendered socialization and interaction define the nature of gendered relation in both hierarchy and social preference.

        Illustration

                                     Women considered as weak and submissive to men

                                     Gender segregation in conservative societies

                                     Institution of patriarchy

 

 

 

3.     Ascribing gendered roles based on genitalia:

“We do gender.”

         (Judith Butler)

“Gender is assigned based on the nature of genitalia at birth.”

                                                     (Judith Lorber)

4.     Gendered expectations and cultural norms:

In the gendered world the gendered expectations are demanded from particular genders and deviation from such expectations is considered as deviance.

        Illustration

  

 

Tom boy         Bubbli as a deviant         long hair          Emotional stability

status of          character in Parizad        long nails         ascribed to       

women            drama                             pink color        masculinity

 

5.     Heterosexuality as normal identity:

In the gendered world, heterosexuality is considered as normal identity. Any deviation from heterosexuality is charged with punitive measures.

     

 

 

Illustration

 

No acceptance for LGBTs                               Stigmatizing other

in some societies                                              genders

 

Critical Analysis:

                   Gender as a social construct is the reality. However, academic interpretation of gender and ensuing intersectionality has given way to gender assimilation and change. The recognition of gendered identity is a manifestation to that.

Conclusion:

                   To sum up gender has its roots in the sociology and culture. The patterns of gendered socialization give way to gender relations and lay the platform of gendered control.