A major problem in our society is the stereotypical norms that are placed on gender. To the point that anyone that goes against the grain is seen as unusual and are often targets for bullying. The biological theological approach to gender suggests that the physical attributes contribute to certain traits of each gender. The text gives the example of a woman being seen as the caretaker for the child because she carries it in the womb, which is something that society usually follows along with. The text also compares testosterone with aggression and risk taking which are traits society believes men have. Stereotype threat is something that can affect gender norms. If women learn that men’s brains are bigger this might lead them to believe that they are inferior or less smarter than men. Biology really does not seem to be a good factor for gender identity. It is proven because in this world we have unique differences between all people no matter how they identify.
Psychological theory shows that gender can be influenced through experiences as a child especially through relationships. The Freud theory is something that I completely disagree with. I don’t believe that a boy needs to identify with their father and a girl needs to identify with their mother to develop normally. People raised by two parents of the same gender can turn out very normal and well nourished just the same.
The cultural theory makes a lot of sense to me. The way a child is raised, what a child learns outside of their family, what they see from society can influence gender a lot.
Lily Myers’, “Shrinking Women” connected a lot with me. I have brothers and I see the difference with how they can act vs how I feel I’m allowed to act. In my opinion the world is more accommodating for them to be more outgoing and share their opinions. While as women we tend to have to watch what we say and how we say it.
