From the Paper "Research into the stress experienced by children and adolescents emphasizes the significance of sexual identity as an especially important component in the maturation process. Intervention into the adolescent's problems of identity development will most often implicate development of sexual identity, or orientation, as a significant factor relating to developmental stress. The turmoil of late childhood and adolescence will be discussed, as well as the particular problems faced by young people coming to terms with their sexual identities. As one might anticipate, the problems of adolescence relating to sexual identity are significantly greater for gay and lesbian youth.
The stress inherent in coming of age has begun at an earlier age than in previous centuries. Due to better nutrition..."
A review of work counteracting misinterpretations about women's characters in the male-written classics, Virgil's "Aeneid" and Dante's "Divine Comedy."
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 4 sources, 2000, $ 63.95
From the Paper "Christine de Pizan's Book of the City of Ladies (1405) was written to counteract the lies and misrepresentations about women's character that the author found in literature in which all the male writers seemed to "speak from one and the same mouth" (4). She resolved, with the help and guidance of the allegorical figures of Reason, Rectitude, and Justice, to write a demonstration of the invaluable contributions of women throughout history. She intended to counteract the ridiculous claims by male writers "that the behavior of women is inclined to and full of every vice" (4). Her examples range from the mythological Amazons to the women of the Old Testament and examples from more recent history. The greatest number, however, derived from classical history and literature. One of the best known, or, as Pizan put it, the woman whose "fame has surpassed that of all..."
Abstract This paper analyzes Deborah Tannen's theory that men and women communicate differently based on the different ways men and women perceive things, from her book "You Just Don't Understand". For men, communication is a way of maintaining status, developing a hierarchy and giving orders. In contrast, women communicate for interpersonal connections, to achieve a sense of community and to maintain equal status. This paper evaluates the possibility that such a complex subject like communication can be separated into two distinct categories so easily and whether this approach shows a stereotype that can be applied to all people.
From the Paper "There may be an overall trend towards women preferring to communicate for a certain reason, but this does not mean that every woman is the same. Accepting this view and believing that men and women can be understood so easily is a major error in judgment. It is also worth noting that in most communications it is not one person communicating with the other gender as a whole. It is one person communicating with one individual. For this communication to be most effective, the people need to make an effort to understand the perspective of each other. Attaching generalized meanings to the communication does not help with this. Another area overlooked is other characteristics that impact on a person's perspective."
Abstract This paper discusses Jackie Kay's novel "Trumpet", which details the emotions surrounding the discovery that jazzman, Joss Moody, is actually a woman. Those surrounding Moody's life are forced by the media to acknowledge the discrepancy in their existence. The author shows how following the conclusion of the novel, one is left to wonder whether the true origin of Joss Moody's choice of lifestyle is gender oppression, homosexuality, or Moody may have believed her gender and sex were not appropriately assigned at birth.
From the Paper "One of the greatest oppressors in today's society is gender, and the behavior that is expected to accompany that particular role. The media frequently capitalizes on the atypical behaviors of males and females. For example, if a man enjoys singing show tunes, going to the ballet, and is not ashamed to cry in front of others, the media frequently portrays this man as a homosexual. Additionally, if a female engages in actions that are typically associated as being masculine, this woman would be portrayed as a lesbian. A homosexual male or female is rarely portrayed as an intelligent, well-rounded individual."
Abstract Discussies how companies are now beginning to recognize the adverse effects of workplace sexism and are doing something about it. It shows that because such a negative environment is considered contrary to positive company culture, the new wave in corporate America is to ensure against sexism in the workplace. This paper examines how businesses are becoming more and more interactive in addressing the issue so as not to perpetuate the ill will and discord that have developed over the past several years.
From the Paper "Sexism in the workplace is an industry ill that has run rampant over the past several decades. Only within this time frame has society come to realize that there is no place for gender prejudice when both men and women are working hard toward the same goals. "Despite regulations that attempt to promote equality within the workplace, discrimination against certain social groups such as women still occurs, with women faring worse than men on most measures of economic equity, including income, unemployment, and occupational distribution" (Trentham et al, 1998, p. 1). In some cases, women have demonstrated considerable more dedication to the job than men, who are often categorized as being lazy and ineffective when compared to their female counterparts. Indeed, there is room for both genders within the workplace, but it will entail establishing an element of respect for the individual, as well as recognition of duty no matter the sex, that will finally allow gender prejudice to be completely eliminated within the workplace."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of educating teenagers in order to prevent irresponsible sexual behavior. It also shows how some parents and other concern-groups are against this idea, claiming that it makes teenagers too aware. The paper cites research and surveys done in this area by parents and educational institutions.
From the Paper "Americans have adjusted a lot of their thinking when it comes to teenage sexuality during recent years. There was a time when a pregnant teen would have been removed from the school and sent to a school for unwed mothers. There was a time when a sexually active female was labeled a slut, or said to be loose. Those days are on the retreat as Americans accept teenage sexuality more than ever before. With that acceptance comes the question of when and how to teach sex education. Schools are at a crossroad because they are dealing with pregnant teens but many parents are opposed to the sex education of their children within the school system. Teen pregnancy, teen sexual preference and many other topics are not being addressed today in teen living classes, and students are gaining their education on the street. The adults are not going to stop teen sexual activity, nor will they stop those who are gay from being gay. The best thing that can be done to assist in the area of teenage sexuality is to provide a solid and truthful education so that they can be safe and they can be happy."
Tags: parent, teen, gay, active, intercourse, sex, pregnancy, contraceptive, AIDS
Abstract The paper shows that gender roles are perpetuated and learned through gender socialization and that toys are considered a type of gender socializing agent. The paper argues that social formation of gender by the means of toys is detrimental to the whole equity of society, because it reinforces gender differentiation and sexism. The paper gives several examples of toys which promote gender-specific messages such as baby dolls and play make-up for little girls. Finally, the paper looks at ways to reverse gender stereotyping in our society and shows how several toy manufactures are shedding the gender stereotypes on their products.
From the Paper "Thus, gender distinctions imposed by societal culture and framework define the behaviors of male and female individuals, which are arranged in a pattern. Women cannot do the things prescribed for men, and vice versa. Hence, we observe that toys are a form of gender socialization, which in turn, transmits the gender roles. In turn, gender roles contribute to cultural and social framework, which are imposed upon newborns through the socializing agents, such as toys. This forms a cycle that explains how gender role socialization reflects and constitutes the framework of the American society."
This paper discusses how gender roles remain constant in theater throughout history by comparing "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams and "Sure Thing" by David Ives.
Abstract This paper discusses the fact that the plays "The Glass Menagerie" and "Sure Thing" were penned almost 50 years apart and yet they rely on the same types of gender roles. The paper compares the two, using several examples from both plays, including quotes, and discusses the topics of courtship and work. The paper focuses on the main characters in "The Glass Menagerie" as well as the only two characters in "Sure Thing."
From the Paper "Nothing remains more stagnant than gender roles. Throughout history, class structure, race, and numerous other factors, the role of male and female rarely change. The man remains seen as the head of the house?hence the phrase "man of the house""the moneymaker, the one who always goes out to work, and the dominant force in a woman's life. The womanly role stays the same as well"she takes care of the kids, stays at home when someone becomes ill, and puts her needs behind those of others. "The Glass Menagerie" and "Sure Thing" stay consistent with these roles of male and female, regardless of the time period they come from and the race and class or social background of the people in the play."
From the Paper " Communication is a factor in a relationship that cannot be ignored. Communication can either make or break a relationship. In other words, having good communication can enhance and make intimate relationships more satisfying. On the other hand, poor communication can separate and make the relationship miserable. Therefore, communication is essential in enabling two individuals to reveal, inform, and grow in an intimate relationship. Without this kind of communication, conflict and dissolution will surely result. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to improve communication skills between couples. However, these studies indicate that men and women have difficulty communicating with each other. There seems to be a gender-gap that prevents men and women from "getting through" to one another. Thus, gender (...)"
A look at the legal and moral definitions of acquaintance rape including social myths and stereotypes, incidence, the typical rapist and victim, victim's reactions and the need for social and legal action. Outline.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 6 sources, 1991, $ 79.95
From the Paper "Date rape can generally be defined as occurring whenever a man forces his date to have sex with him against her will. Some people expand this definition to include forced sex by any acquaintance, whether it be in the context of a date or not. Despite these simple definitions, however, there is a great deal of controversy over the precise legal and moral implications of date rape or acquaintance rape. The legal definition for date rape is extremely limited and it tends to place the burden of proof on the victim. A date rape victim will have a difficult time in court if the defense attorney can show a lack of evidence or can imply that the woman is loose or immoral in any way. Thus, in prosecuting a date rape case, it helps if the victim has visible bruises and is a "woman of shining character," because otherwise "the strict constructionist definitions of rape will..."
This paper discusses the relation ship of gendr and nonverbal communication: Somatypes (body builds), matching hypothesis, attractiveness, listening, masculinity and femininity, social power, sex differences, space and clothing.
1,800 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 5 sources, 1994, $ 63.95
From the Paper "Because our physical appearance is the most obvious nonverbal cue we present, it prompts others to perceive us with certain expected personality traits. For example, because of generally accepted physique-temperament stereotypes, evidence shows that we do associate definite personality and temperament traits with body build.
In addition to the superficial, nonverbal cue of body build, or "somatype," we also present a range of less apparent traits and behaviors which are less clearly defined by anatomy. Even so, we will see that these behaviors are sex-specific, to the extent that males and females interact according to different nonverbal agendas. These male and female differences in interaction appear to originate both in culture and physiology, although an interaction of gender and environment is the most ... "
This paper is a cross-cultural and historical analysis of expected roles for males and females in Western & non-Western societies (New Guinea, Ancient Greece, Africa).
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, 1994, $ 55.95
From the Paper "Gender roles in Western societies have been changing rapidly in recent years, with the changes created both by evolutionary changes in society, including economic shifts which have altered the way people work and indeed which people work as more and more women enter the workforce, and by pressure brought to make changes because of the perception that the traditional social structure was inequitable. Gender relations are part of the socialization process, the initiation given the young by society, teaching them certain values and creating in them certain behavior patterns acceptable to their social roles. Anthropologists find certain common patterns in the division of labor which help shape gender roles in different social settings. Over time, these roles become set and are accepted as if they were part of the natural order rather than the result of specific ... "
Abstract This paper examines the question of genetics and homosexuality and how it has become increasingly important to discover its validity. It looks at how homosexuals are being refused leadership positions, custody and other benefits for something they allege is in born. The writer critiques literature relevant to the topic and presents the way each study was conducted and shows how studies have come down strongly on the side of genetics playing a part in the sexual orientation of each person. It evaluates how the maternal component of genetics has come to the forefront several times as the link to homosexuality and the importance of studying the maternal chromosomes more closely to try and locate the exact marker. It is a political and social need that it be determined one way or the other so that society can make its decisions based on fact not emotional reaction to homosexuality.
From the Paper "Because of the religious and moral arguments that have been presented regarding homosexuality over the years, the scientific world has been working to uncover the truth about the origin of sexual preference. Church leaders blast the homosexual community and condemn its members to eternity in hell, while advocates for the rights of homosexuals insist it is something they were born to be. Those who are against the practice of homosexuality believe it is a conscious choice made by a person and they have the power to change their mind and become heterosexual."
Abstract This paper discusses and compares the two significant relationships portrayed in the play "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner. The characters are described in the context of their relationship, as well as outside the relationship. The paper examines the subliminal messages which are emitted from each of the four central characters, regarding their own self images. The falsity of these self images, is a central theme of the play, and conversely, allows the playwright to emphasize the importance of truth and honesty.
From the Paper "The relationship between Joe and Harper in Tony Kushner's "gay fantasia" of a play entitled "Angels in America" can be seen as parallel to the relationship of Lewis and Prior, despite both relationships? apparent dissimilarities. In both relationships, the two main characters exist in an unbalanced partnership, riddled with inequities. Only by suffering the traumas of a closeted gay relationship and the horror of AIDS does the nature of these essentially unequal and unfulfilling relationships become "outed" within the structure of the play."
Abstract This paper looks at the similarities between child abuse and pornography and the relationship between them. The author explores the world of pornography and its complex relationship to the world of child abuse. Pornography is discussed in detail investigating its effects and whether it createsa predisposition in certain individuals to commit violent sexual acts.
From the Paper "Before delving into an analysis of child abuse, child rape, and child pornography, the issue of pornography itself must be examined. Pornography is an extremely muddy issue. Does sexually explicit material have a detrimental effect on the individual? Does access to pornography contribute to misogynistic tendencies and sexism? Or on a more extreme level, does it create a predisposition in certain individuals to commit violent sexual acts? Indeed, even the definition of pornography is somewhat in dispute.
There are two types of material that are often considered pornographic. In the first type, males or females of an appropriate age are depicted in erotic poses. They are presented as equal partners without subjugation or any sign of violence. This first type of pornography is often referred to as erotica. The Playboy or Penthouse magazines would be an excellent example of this type of pornography that has been developed for males. Conversely, Playgirl magazine or one of the many romance/erotica novels available at local bookstores would be the equivalent for women."
