Abstract This paper surveys changes in gender relations in the modern period, with specific reference to the social, political and economic influences that contributed to these changes. The approach taken is to consider these changes by discussing how they are reflected in selected works of literature, and also to discuss the social, political and economic influences that led to the changes.
From the Paper "The modern period has seen immense changes in gender relations. Like all changes, these can be traced to social, political and economic influences. In addition, also like all changes, they are reflected in the literature of their time."
Abstract This paper examines the topic of gender inequality and presents a review of literature that supports the argument that stereotypical roles of gender have led to inequality in marriages and genderrelationships, which in turn, have impacted the ability of women to become truly financially and emotionally secure.
From the Paper "The issue of gender inequality in relationships is of great social concern, especially in light of the increasing divorce rate and the growing numbers of single mothers bringing up children. The increasing break down of the traditional family structure implies the need for women to be more and more financially independent. Yet, a review of literature on the subject indicates that gender inequality in relationships persists and has led to a situation where women are still unable to break the traditional stereotype of the female role and focus on developing an independent career."
Abstract This paper looks at the ways in which genderrelationships in the West have changed over the previous millennium. It is discussed in the context of general changes in the world and how these effected the gender roles in return. It looks at the woman's role in the family, the work place and society at large.
From the Paper "The relations between men and women have changed substantially over the past 1000 years, as have a vast number of other aspects of human society. During this period we have seen the shift from being a primarily agricultural species (with many people still depending on food collection, pastoralism and horticulture) to an industrial species. The human population has expanded dramatically, bringing with it substantial and often catastrophic environmental and now climatic change. We have increased our ability to wage war to genocidal levels. And we have also produced the printing press, vastly expanded educational opportunities for many people, the end to governmentally sanctioned slavery, space travel."
Abstract This paper shows the difference that agriculturists, sedentary lifestyles, and social differentiation made in genderrelationships.
From the Paper "The first evidence of agriculturists, sedentary lifestyles, and social differentiation that archaeologists and anthropologists have distinguished come from groups termed Horticulturists. Though the past record remains relatively scant in regards, anthropologists have used existing ones as a locus of study and interpretation. More numerous than surviving hunter-gatherer groups, horticultural societies also show an incredible range of gender diversity between groups, more numerous, in fact, than any other extent societal model. The quantity of studies that has come as a result of this are astounding. Those done in the area of New Guinea alone, home to at least two hundred different horticultural societies, provide ample evidence to add weight to the debate of nurture over nature, by sheer examples of the differences in living and understanding gender roles in such a relatively small and homogenous environmental area. "
Abstract This paper presents a discussion about how divorce affects children and teenagers. The writer takes a sociological path in exploring the long-term affects on the individuals and examines how this impacts on their future relationships in society.
From the Paper "During the last four decades the divorce rate began to climb not only in America but also across the globe. As families began to live in separate houses researchers took on the task of studying the affects of the divorce on children and teenagers (Dunn, 1999). Now, four decades later the results are in and the experts agree divorce has an undeniable negative impact on children and teenagers. This is not to say the negative impact cannot be counterbalanced but it must be recognized as a given for groups of people affected by divorce if the world wants to correct the affects from a sociological point of view(Dunn, 1999)."
Abstract This paper raises the question of whether there is a relationship between gender stereotypes in children's books and a child's perception of gender. The analysis is based on a qualitative review of research articles.
From the Paper "This study sought to determine the existence of the relationship between gender stereotypes in children's books and children's perceptions of gender. The exploration of this topic involved a qualitative review of research articles that addressed this topic from multiple perspectives. Several research studies that focused on measuring the gender representations in children's books were based on the premise that the presence of gender stereotypes in books automatically translates into children's gender stereotypical perceptions. However, the remaining research studies suggested that children's gender perceptions played a stronger role in shaping..."
Tags: Is, there, a, relationship, between, gender, stereotypes, in, children's, books, and, a, child's, perception, of, gender?
Abstract This paper presents a study on how gender stereotypes encompass even the toy preference of preschool age children. The paper tests the hypothesis that, as children become older, they prefer to play with sex-congruent toys rather than toys of the opposite sex. Specifically, the paper seeks to determine if children identify more with toys labeled as their individual gender when they are 3- to 4-year-olds in comparison to 2- to 3-year-olds. The paper describes the methods, procedure, and results of the study and then analyzes those results. The paper concludes with recommendations for conducting future research.
Outline:
Abstract
Method
Results
Discussion
Appendix A
From the Paper "We encountered many limitations while conducting our experiment on the toy selection of different genders. Our hypothesis was that as children got older they would choose to play with toys that were identifiable with their individual gender. Conducting our experiment in classrooms that were set up to be gender-neutral made it hard to evaluate this. The activities and toys chosen the most were gender-neutral and therefore did not support or counter our hypothesis. Gender-neutral activities included: drawing, play dough, constructing shape pattern on sheets, going down the slide, generic books (particularly on frogs), puzzles and playing in the sand table."
Tags: behavior, child center, gender-appropriate hypothesis interrrater reliability observation variable
Abstract This paper reviews gender inequities from childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, and the elderly with respect to their relationships in school, with family, in relationships and within the work force.
Outline:
Gender Inequalities and Socialization - Overview
Gender Differences in Children and Adolescence
Gender Inequalities at Work
Opposition to Equality Issues
From the Paper "Other studies exploring gender inequities among young adults and middle-age adults exist and result primarily from lower feelings of self-confidence or the ability to succeed when placed in a competitive environment (Goodman, Cunningham & Lachapelle, 2002). For example, women are more likely to drop out of mathematical or engineering fields not because they are not able to do the work, but rather because society suggests that men are more capable in these fields, and thus dominate these fields, resulting in an indirect discrimination against women in primarily male-dominated fields (Goodman, Cunningham & Lachapelle, 2002)."
Abstract This paper presents the results of a four-week sexual education course for the parents of young children between the ages of 4 and 9. The paper covers sexual identity, types of relationships, building better communication, and also knowledge of potentially negative outcomes of indulging in sexual activity.
Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Analysis
Sexual identity
Relationships Communication
From the Paper "Due to the fact that there is at least some knowledge of children of this age group being targeted by adults the exercise has been queued. It must be emphasized at this point that children of the age group in discussion have better chances of preventing themselves from indulging in sexual activity in the future when the topic of sex and sexuality is more open. They tend to have a broader approach to the subject and are not intimated. As a result of in-depth knowledge and discussion of sex at an early age tend to have broader thoughts and are not inclined to curious actions when they near puberty."
Tags: aids, transmitted, disease, gender, relationship, communication, social, work
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the basic task for parents is to instill desirable values and to help the child develop according to his or her ability. The problem of raising both boys and girls in today's society is raised, mentioning the view that it might have been easier in the past because gender distinctions were more rigid and clearer. The writer notes that to a great degree, boys learn from their fathers how to be male and girls from their others how to be female, though the process is more complex than this might indicate. The writer concludes that many people find that children today lose much of their childhood because of the many influences that cause them to grow up too fast and that affects how they learn to be male and female today, but in truth, the force that remains the most important is parenting and the role parents take as models to be imitated.
From the Paper "The social controllers have eliminated these emotions through a number of conditioning methods, but the primary means of eliminating them has been to eliminate the family, the crucible where emotional bonds are formed and where the need for later bonds to supplant those between parent and child is formed. The elimination of the family has gone so far as to make the family and its relationships appear socially undesirable, psychologically unhealthy, and un-human. Human beings are touted as more advanced than animals and thus as no longer in need of the bonds and crutches animals require. The controllers have eliminated these emotions in the name of efficiency."
Abstract This paper examines how the Korean and Puerto Rican cultures are very similar, with both based on the separation of gender roles and with women being submissive and men being dominant. It shows how once in America, both cultures have adapted to the new environment in very different ways. For the Koreans, women have began to question their roles and become more active, with the relationship becoming more equal. In contrast, the Puerto Rican gender roles have not changed much. Men remain only as workers with women taking on the role as both workers, housewives and mothers with a new generation of young women being raised as cooks and cleaners.
From the Paper "The Puerto Rican family structure is similar to the Korean one in that the female and male roles are separated. The man is responsible for earning the money, while the woman's primary role is to look after the house and raise the children. The woman is also expected to be submissive, while the male is dominant. The woman in Puerto Rico though, were also involved in the workforce. While this was a reality, it did not change the family structure. Instead, women working was a necessity due to financial strain. A woman working then, was not a sign of her role changing, but something that had to be done for her to adeqautely care for her children."
Abstract This is a sociology paper on children's literature and gender roles. It includes comparing and contrasting two children's books about gender differences or observing girl and boys.
Abstract This paper looks at the significant role that children's literature plays in transmitting society's cultural aspects to children. The paper explains that gender roles are a particularly important part of this cultural development, thereby making the portrayal of genders within children's literature a strong influence on the image children develop of their own role and that of their gender in society.
From the Paper "In the field of Children's Literature there are many, many issues that impact upon this literature such as censorship, the uses of series books, the role of technologies and many others. However, there can be no more important issue, particularly in the early elementary learning period of children than the issues presented by the roles of gender."
Abstract This paper explores the patterns of maturation found in children's literature with reference to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. It finds that in modern children's literature the typical gender roles are reversed, with Harry acting on behalf of society (typically a female pattern) and Charlotte maturing as an individual (typically male pattern). Anne of Green Gables and Treasure Island are used to display the typical patterns.
From the Paper "In children's literature gender roles have been laid quite clearly. These patterns exist from the early fairy tales to present day novels. Recently some authors have attempted to reverse the typical gender roles of characters; giving male protagonists more passive and nurturing characteristics, and females greater abilities to become active individuals. This is particularly apparent in stories about maturation."
Abstract In this study, gender differences in children's play is discussed. Research shows a degree of gender stereotyping takes place in children's play and that gender-segregation is significant in socializing particular gender-behaviors.
