The Socialization of Gender Roles

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the terms "masculinity" and "femininity" are the most difficult to define because the popular explanation of these terms generally has more to do with gender stereotypes than any definable quality of social behavior. The author points out that many social scientists and psychologists argue that it is healthier to be "process-oriented", by choosing behavior based on what is appropriate to the person's needs and the situation at the time, rather than to be "role-oriented" by choosing behavior appropriate to the role society has given them regardless of the situation. This paper emphasizes, that to break the cycle of gender typing, it is necessary to change the popular conception of gender, beginning with the individual, proceeding through families and affecting institutions such as schools and the workplace.

From the Paper:

"In American society, early sexual contact is considered more desirable or at least acceptable for boys than for girls. Thus, in a 1989 study of 16 to 25 year-olds in Los Angeles, the average age for first intercourse among boys was 14.9 years, while girls were a year behind at 15.9 years of age. However, this difference has been narrowing in recent years as more girls become sexually active at a younger age. Men's tendency to be more sexually active is related to the traditional assignment of sexual virility as a quality desirable in men. According to the ideals of Western culture, males are supposed to desire sex and take the initiative in sexual activity. This leads to problems in a role-oriented sexual relationship, where women often report attaining less satisfaction in sex due to society-enforced passivity."

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