Abstract This paper discusses how much of literature conveys the male-female relationship through the review of three different pieces of literature: John Steinbeck's "The Chrysanthemums", Doris Lessing's "To Room Nineteen" and Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants". It shows how all three pieces of literature, attempt to prove that the basic truth in a male-female relationship is that men and women are different, in our habits, in the way we react to situations in life, environmental stimuli and in our attitudes regarding relationships. It examines how through the stories presented, it can be seen that communication undoubtedly plays a foundational role in the development of any healthy relationship and it often serves to bridge the gap between people with misunderstandings, or to solidify a mutual sense of commitment.
From the Paper "Another story depicting a man and woman relationship is Doris Lessing's "To Room Nineteen". Susan, a married woman, feels a lose of freedom from being a wife and a mother whose days are spent taking care of her family and hardly had time for herself. Because of this feeling, which she was unable to communicate to her husband, she ended up killing herself. She rents a hotel room every afternoon where she spends time alone for herself, and just sits and thinks. Apparently, her husband assumes that she is having an affair. Knowing that her husband won?t understand her feelings, she tells him that she is indeed having an affair. In the end, Susan returns to the hotel room and kills herself."
Abstract This paper discusses the proposition that gender differences are learned, imposed by the society that spawns them and then perpetuates them from one generation to the next. The paper suggests that men conform to the gender requirements of their society, requirements conveyed to them as cultural biases that they then emulate.
From the Paper "Sex differences are biological, while gender differences are cultural. This means that gender differences are learned, imposed by the society that spawns them and then perpetuates them from one generation to the next. Men conform to the gender requirements of their society, requirements conveyed to them as cultural biases that they then emulate. Men thus come out more or less with the same basic way of thinking and the same modes of behavior because those are culturally dictated to say what count as masculine traits and what do not. Asch (originally 1955) noted the power of conformity and the fact that conformity is defined as "behavior that adheres to the behavior patterns of a particular group of which that individual is a member" (Hock, 1992, p. 290). Such persons are guided by unspoken rules of conduct found in "social norms" of conduct."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that two cultures that are quite different, but that have historically been compared and contrasted to one another, exist in the male and female genders. The writer notes that females have consistently struggled to be equal partners within the social order, while males have had the freedom to control the lives of those within their families, community and the larger governmental arena. The writer maintains that differences in culture have shaped the beliefs of those within them and constructed a society that supports the ideology that different genders should have different social standings. The writer concludes that regardless of the battles for equality that have taken place throughout history, the female gender is still a culture that is oppressed and that is fighting to be considered as equal partners with their male counterparts in the social order.
From the Paper "While women's rights improved to some degree, they have never equaled the rights known to men, nor have women been capable of being viewed as complete equals in the social order. At the current time there are more women controlling major companies in the United States and it is believed that the "glass ceiling" that exists for women in business is being removed. Yet, this situation pertains to only some women and the culture of women is continuing to be oppressed in multiple ways. This includes women that have been left as single parent mothers, supporting the household alone; the extensive numbers of women that are forced to exist in poverty because of a lack of opportunities to change their economic standing in the social order; and the minimal representation of women in the government."
An examination of the concepts of the male and female in Western culture by looking at "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" and "The Female Spectator".
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 53.95
Abstract This paper examines the concepts of male and female by comparing two texts: A Vindication of the Rights of Woman and "The Female Spectator." Both texts were written by women before 1800 and, examine and dismiss the notion that men are innately superior to women. They attribute the differences to nurture and cultural influences.
Abstract This paper puts forward the argument that female genital mutilation is no more a human rights violation than male circumcision, and therefore, both should be abolished. It discusses how, although genital mutilations are usually referred to as a cultural practice, there is increasing evidence that this innocent and benign label actually evades, dismisses, and covers up the horrific effects these mutilations have upon a child's psyche and soma and, moreover, present a very real danger to the child's health. It shows how people or cultures that engage in such practices view them as an essential right of passage and, often, an important requirement for a marriage partner, while those who do not practice genital circumcision view the practice with disbelief, horrified that any human would willingly permit such a thing to be performed on his or her child. It also looks at the origins of some these religious practices.
From the Paper "According to James DeMeo in his article ?The Geography of Genital Mutilations,? the time frame and location of origins of female genital mutilations are most likely identical to that of male genital mutilations, ?given their similar distributions, similar cross-cultural aspects, and similar psychological motifs,? the use of each of which being ?mandated and widely expanded by groups where dominance of the sexual live of children by adults, and females by males, was most extreme.? With the decline of the harem system during the last 100 years, the use of eunuchs has died out, however, female infibulations and other forms female genital mutilations remain part of the certain cultures ?in accordance with the arranged marriage system and other vestiges of a powerful and hysterical virginity taboo.? "
Abstract In most Western cultures, for both males and females, adolescence is a time of intense questioning. It is a developmental stage often characterized by acts of rebellion and defiance of parental dictates and values. However, the relatively uncritical acceptance of this struggle is particular to Western culture, and there is often less tolerance of this in other ethnic contexts. This paper analyzes the movie "Bend it Like Beckham" (2002); specifically the character of Jess, a Sikh girl living in London. Her parents expect obedience while English culture dictates rebellion is essential for children to develop an autonomous identity from their family. This paper also looks at an additional source of conflict that arises from Jess' passion and talent in the male dominated sport of football (soccer). As her mother strives to prepare her for marriage, Jess only wants to play football. But Jess' conflict extends even to English society which suggests that girls use sexuality as a means of rebellion. This paper shows how, despite all of the conflict, Jess actually defines conventional Western norms of femininity in her football prowess, as well as her parent's notions of decorous and obedient feminine behavior.
From the Paper "Culturally, soccer is a central part of English life. For many young men, becoming like the cultural sports icon David Beckham, or at least aspiring to football prowess is an important part of their personal development. Football is an integrated part of the environment, the ritual of going to games, and participating in games. Jess embraces this ideal, despite her gender and despite the fact that this sport is not indigenous to her East Asian culture. She also finds romance with a non-Indian man. True, Jess cannot 'be' like Beckham in terms of her social and physical ideal exactly, but she can mimic his excellence on the field."
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses theories of Susan Bordo on the male body. The writer discusses the penis and the phallus as symbols of male dominance. Further, the writer considers what it means to be female and have a female body.
From the Paper "Susan Bordo, author of 'The Male Body' offers her readers an analysis of many issues related to being male and having a male body. In the process, she also considers what it means to be female and to have a female body. In two sections of her book, Bordo also talks about men's insecurities about penis size. She makes the point that just as women are concerned about the appearance of their bodies, males are also concerned. Men like women have idealized standards ... "
Abstract This paper explains that video games represent a site for role-playing in ways that violate both the corporate-constructed gender roles of game worlds, as well as the norms of masculine and feminine in our society. The writer discusses how this analysis applies to a range of levels in video game culture: the design level with its sub-culture of game patch design where users patch existing video games to fundamentally re-design game worlds that reflect distinct constructions of masculinity and femininity and the game play level where both female and male users play games in ways that challenge normative gender roles. The writer's main focus is on female game designers and players, whose interactions with video game culture critically undermines common conceptions of female gender identity.
Outline:
Introduction
Gender Bias as a Methodological Problem
Women Coding Women: The New Gaming Female Conclusion
From the Paper "In reviewing the scholarly literature upon gender roles and video game culture, it is important to recognize the operation of gender bias as a methodological problem. Before one can address the subject of video game and gender role transgression among females, one must note the profound degree to which traditional gender biases appear to impact scholarship on the subject of video game culture. Consider, for example, the question of the popularity of video games among males versus females, as well as the view that males prefer "violent" games while female players tend to reject these games for games that better reflect "feminine" qualities. There is a substantial body of research literature that has argued since the late 1980s that video games are a predominantly male cultural preoccupation. Surveys tended to reveal an extraordinary disproportion both in terms of numbers of players and the lengths of time devoted to gameplay. For example, adolescent boys have been shown to be as much as three times more likely to play video games as adolescent girls."
This paper explores the portrayal of female figures in art and myth, focusing on the Medusa myth and the castrating power of the female gaze and their effect of the female self-image.
Abstract The paper reviews in detail the image of Medusa that pits femininity and masculinity against each other and allowing masculinity to triumph. The paper continues by stating that the gaze of the painted female subject often is depicted with her eyes either diverted from the viewer, or coyly regarding him. The author states that myths like the Medusa myth and the female gaze instruct women that their sexuality is something to be suppressed, that a powerful woman is a dangerous woman, and that the male will triumph in the end.
From the Paper "Though the familiar image of Medusa as a serpent-haired monster is attributed to the Greeks, the myth of Medusa actually has its roots in pre-classical Mediterranean culture. In the matriarchal societies that existed before Greek civilization, Medusa was far from reviled as she was by the Greeks; instead, she was worshipped as a beautiful mother deity who symbolized wisdom, fertility, and female power. With the advent of Greek civilization, the existing gynocentric religion and mythology were compelled to adapt to the new patriarchal value system."
Abstract This paper examines Alvarez's novel "How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accents" illustrating how the 'accent' is mostly a metaphor for the evolution of several facets of the sisters. 'Accents', become synonymous with a modern, west-influenced lifestyle where equality is introduced into the male-female nexus. The author concludes that the relationships of the four sisters really mirror the male-female relationships of the west and their accents have completely changed?they have been fully assimilated into the Western culture.
From the Paper "Interestingly, Julia Alvarez presents several unique characteristics in the narrative. The novel is set from the early 1960s to the mid 1980, but in reverse chronological order. Such a description helps develop the characters of the four sisters: Carla, Sandi (Sandra), Yolanda (YoYo aka Joe) and Fifi (Sofia). To put the plot in the right order: Carlos is a doctor in the Dominican Republic. Carlos is married to Laura. They have four daughters. Carlos's nuclear and extended family is wealthy and influential?one of a few in the entire nation situated on an impoverished tropical South American Island. Fearing reprisals in the dictatorial reign of Trujillo Ciudad, called only Trujillo in the entire novel (assuming that every Dominican is familiar with the name), the family escapes to the United States."
Tags: julia, alvarez, west, male, female, sisters, synonym, modern
A critique on this book by Susan Bordo that looks at how society has viewed the male body over the centuries, focusing on its coverage in the modern media.
Abstract The book describes eras of media coverage regarding the male's private parts as well as society's acceptance of the norm. While probing the male form the author seeks to prove that given the similar myths and pressures applied to men and women regarding their bodies, there are parallel effects on both the male and female mind. Bordo concludes that society, although a shift began in the 1990s, has neglected the male body in film, literature, magazines and advertisements as it has never done with the female body.
From the Paper "Although, Burt Reynold's appeared nude for the magazine "Cosmopolitan" in 1972, the penis was hidden behind his hands. Brando in his tight undershirt in "Streetcar Named Desire" or William Holden's bare chest in "Picnic" was the raciest exposure of the male body the public witnessed in film or media of any kind. Bordo points out that John Travolta was the first hunk to appear in briefs on-screen in "Saturday Night Fever" (Bordo 18)."
Abstract The writer of this well-researched paper asks and answers the following questions: What obstacles have prevented Chicana women from realizing their sexuality and self-importance in the past? How do Chicana women view themselves as members of society in modern culture? What are the most critical factors contributing to a Chicana woman's sense of self and discovery? This in-depth paper delves into the unique hardships faced by Chicana women in recognizing their sense of self-worth and their sexuality. This paper examines the history of Chicana women who grew up in a culture that viewed them as subservient to men. The writer of this paper investigates the history of Chicana women through a comprehensive literature review that focuses on the role Chicana women have depicted in fictional literature, up until the present. This paper discusses the research conducted and analyzes the results which indicate that the role of Chicana women in society is in fact changing for the better. Women are starting to become more independent and realize themselves as independent, sexual and worthy human beings.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Research Questions
Limitations
Literature Review
Factors That Influence Sexuality and Self Worth
Female Sexuality and Self Development in Chicana Culture Methodology
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Much of the information available regarding Chicana culture is evident in the form of fictional stories, which depict the Chicana girl or woman as someone who is constantly searching to identify her role, her purpose in society and her sense of self. Other works of fiction address the Chicana as someone reflecting on her life experiences to learn from them. In times of old much of the literature available with regard to Chicana women suggested that women were subordinate, however more recent works suggest that Chicana women are starting to take a more aggressive and assertive role in society, and they are starting to recognize their sexuality and right to be sexual, alive, and important human beings."
This paper reviews Julia Alvarez's "How the Garcia Girls lost their Accent", which is about four sisters who experienced a lifestyle change in coming to America from the Dominican Republic.
Abstract This paper examines the four sisters, their parents, the political backdrop, and the Dominican Republic's male-female nexus, which is so different from what one has come to view in America. The author points out that, in "How the Garcia Girls lost their Accent", which is set from the early 1960s to the mid 1980s, each sister brings her own dimensionality, which is a slice of what constitutes a woman. The paper states that the sisters? accents have completely changed; but, for better or worse, they have been fully assimilated into American culture.
From the Paper "It is in Fifi's relationships with men that we see the most vagaries. The start of the novel shows that she is really a person who would support a stable family. She is headstrong and independent. She generally gets what she wants. She presents her parents with their first grandchildren"a boy. She is the only one among her siblings that does not have a college degree, though there is no lack of intellect. Her husband is the most accomplished of all" ?? the German nobody turned out to be a world class chemist.?(p. 31) She seems to hold equal say in her marriage though her husband's character is not explored. Surprisingly, Fifi can adopt different roles."
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between violence and sports. The paper first asserts that violence in sports is culturally agreeable and goal oriented. The paper then explores recreational violence, including hunting. Next the paper studies how sports legitimize violence and the relationship between sports, violence and masculinity. The paper concludes by studying the effect on male-female relationships of violence in sports.
From the Paper "This research paper addresses the topic of how violence in sports affects our lives. The following relevant areas are presented..."
A comparative analysis of the characters of Miss Emily from "A Rose for Emily" by William Faulkner and the female narrator of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper".
Abstract This paper compares Miss Emily from William Faulkner's short story, "A Rose for Emily" and the female narrator of Charlotte Perkins Gilman story, "The Yellow Wallpaper". It also looks at the impact of a male dominated culture on both women.
From the Paper " A comparison and contrast of Faulkner's Miss Emily and the narrator in Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" reveals the often negative and diminishing impact on women of living in a male dominated..."
Tags: death, time, gender, male dominance, oppression, insanity, secrets, South, pride, illness, soul
