Sociological Concept of Gender

Question: Discuss about the Sociological Concept of Gender. Answer: The scholars writhe and roll in the dungeon of darkness regarding the sociological concept of Gender. The definition of gender is hotly debated in the scholarly circles. The term gender refers to the variegated and complex nexus between both the genders. The term gender denotes both biological and cultural connotation (Coates, 2015). The sociologists highlight the social context of the concept of gender. They provide varied interpretations to the concept of gender. According to the scholars, Glover and Kaplan, the term gender is a busy term (Bradley,2013). They provide an apposite interpretation of the term gender in the modern era. By regarding the concept of gender as a busy term, they mean that the term is differently used. For instance, the concept of gender gains a popular currency in sological and biological discussion.The usage of the term is undergoing constant ramification. Therefore, the term assumes a dynamic hue in the recent time. The term is hailed fluid from different contexts. As Glover and Kaplan believe that, the topic has political hues. The coinage and usage of the term gender are intimately linked with the conflict of power dynamic. Since the ancient time, there has been a power conflict between men and women. The women remained subordinate to men in many ways (Bradley, 2013). The society is gender normative so each gender is expected to conform to some prescribed social mores that gradually became more or less stereotypical. As for man, acts of bravery and chivalrous nature seen as an emblem of valorization, likewise, for women sacrifice is the main criterion of valorization.Therefore, the status of women remains subordinate to that of the men. Therefore, the eminent sociologists Glover and Kaplan claim that gender is a busy term. Sex Differences are hard-wired into men and women The concept of sex differences between the genders is highly mooted by the scholars. There is less evidence related to the sex differences that is ingrained on the society. The recent research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania claims that the sex difference is hard-wired into men and women (Rodowick, 2014). The research claims that both the genders have different brain orientation and they conceive the universe differently. The research claims that the mens brains have more associations. At the other end of the spectrum, the female brains have more cross-connections and they are more intuitive. To my opinion, gender stereotypes culminate such sex-based brain differences or sex distinctions. The social and cultural pressures reinforce such sex discriminations across the universe (Fine, 2010).The sex differences are not new to the society and the culture. The gender stereotypes bring about sex differences, both racially and mentally. The gendered society entails physical and mental distinctions within both the genders. The society follows a norm that male and female genders cannot be the same at the end of the day. Both the genders functions differently, mentally and physically. The cranial capacities are also different for both the genders. At the same time, both the genders perceive things differently and see the world through variegated prisms. I believe that a man sees the world through a more pragmatic lens. The women (barring the exceptions) witness the world through a rose-tinted and romantic glass. Therefore, I feel that the sex differences are hard-wired into men and women. The term Gender signifies a hierarchical schism between men and women entrenched in both social institutions and social practices. Hegemonic masculinity affects parental responses The hegemonic masculinity is culturally and racially viable. The concept of hegemonic masculinity, according to R.W Connell, varies across the cultural space and time of an individual (Connell, 2014). The scholars like Kane believe that hegemonic masculinity affects parental responses to the gender non-conformity in Children. The sociologist thinks that the gender dichotomies are not universal. It is indispensable for the parents to evade the gender role binaries that affect the mental temperament of children. They are influenced by the gender stereotypes that permeate the landscape. The stereotyped toys and play materials affect the mental growth of the children. Therefore, it is expected from the parents to neutralize and dissolve the sex distinctions (Kane, 2006). The new concept of gender non-conformity has a profound impression on the parents. Such concepts take into birth due to a strong emphasis of traditional gender roles. The conventional gender roles related to recognizing toys and behavioural patterns were very much in vague in the earlier society. Therefore, the parents fostered such stereotypical concepts among the children that resulted in frustration. Therefore, Kane thinks that the hegemonic masculinity should introduce a new non-conforming response towards their children. It is essential for them to denude the stereotypical fabric that pervades the earlier society. Such gendered framework used to define the parenting styles and approach. In the 21st century, the sociologists believe that it would be wrong to see things through a traditional spectrum. The hegemonic masculinity, as Kane believes, should encourage the parents to adopt new gender non-conforming parenting in children. Concept of Intersectionality that discusses one aspect of growing up of a woman The concept of Intersectionality refers to the melange of variegated identities. It means that multiple identities spawn a composite whole that is different from the component identities. The phenomenon of Intersectionality includes the examples of various identities such as gender, race, social and physical and mental disabilities (Valentine, 2007).The aspects of identity are not homogenous. The concept underscores the overarching ideas and identities. Deploying such concept, the writer is going to assess the rearing and behavioural pattern of a modern woman. The segment delves into the lifestyle of a woman, who is influenced by the phenomenon of multiple identities. The woman is Indo-American and resides in California, USA. She was born to an Indian father and an English mother and she stays in America. This is the first instance of multiple identities. There is an interference of multiple identities and her mental faculties are aware of it. Sometime, she suffers from identity cris es, as she has no clue about her fixed identity. She has an Indian skin colour and black hair. At the same time, she has been living and studying in the United States for a long time. Consequently, she develop a US accent and are well conversed in American language and social structures. Therefore, one can say that she exhibits the fusion of Indian and American identities that build a composite whole for her. She develops such traits and attributes that clearly define her all-encompassing identities (Kane, 2014). Reference Bradley, H. (2013). Gender 2nd edn. (pp. 1-7 15-20). Cambridge: Polity Press. Coates, J. (2015).Women, men and language: A sociolinguistic account of gender differences in language. Routledge. Connell, R. W. (2014).Gender and power: Society, the person and sexual politics. John Wiley Sons. Fine, C. (2010). Delusions of gender: The real science behind sex differences (pp. 1-13). London: Icon Books Limited. Kane, E. W. (2006). No Way my boys are going to be like that! Parents responses to gender nonconformity. Gender and Society,20(2), 149-176. Kane, J. (2014). SISTERGIRL INSIDE: DOUBLY COLONISED, DOUBLY TRAPPED.Griffith Journal of Law Human Dignity,1(1). Rodowick, D. N. (2014).The Difficulty of Difference: Psychoanalysis, Sexual Difference and Film Theory. Routledge. Valentine, G. (2007). Theorizing and researching Intersectionality: A challenge for feminist geography.The Professional Geographer, 59(1), pp. 10-21