Reg:No:2019237056
Construction of Gender
Gender is an essential component of social structure and individual identity. But gender is not only a
biological or natural category; it is a social construct that has been influenced by institutional, cultural,
and historical factors. Gender refers to the responsibilities, attitudes, expectations, and identities that
society assign to people depending on their perceived sex. Unlike biological sex, which is defined by
bodily characteristics such as chromosomes and reproductive organs, gender is a social and cultural
construct. Sociologists like Judith Lorber (1994) emphasize that "gender is a human invention, like
language, kinship, religion, and technology, a social institution that organizes human social life.”
As soon as a person is born, they are categorically classified, marking the beginning of the social
construction of gender. Gender roles are established by society from birth, as seen by the custom of
wrapping newborns in pink for girls and blue or grey for boys. Eventually, these color-codes begin to
shape people's perceptions of gender identity, influencing children's upbringing, toys, sports, and
behaviors that are encouraged or prohibited. Such acts perpetuate binary gender stereotypes. Culture,
conventions, and traditions are the foundation of this binary classification. According to a child's sex,
these customs designate particular colors, symbols, acts, and behaviors. On the basis of the child's
apparent sex, adults also interact differently.
Two important features of the socially constructed gender idea are as follows:
one is gender as a process: Gender is actively created and expressed by people through their interactions
and behaviors; in other words, gender is "performed." The other is gender as a structure: Gender roles and
divisions are ingrained in society and run like inflexible systems that prevent change or opposition.
The construction of gender is perpetuated through various social institutions, including family, education,
media, and religion. Each institution reinforces gender norms and expectations, often beginning at an
early age. –
Family: Gender socialization begins in the family, which assigns gender from birth and reinforces norms
through activities, toys, and attire. Unconsciously, parents frequently treat youngsters differently
depending on their gender.
Education: Through peer dynamics, teacher interactions, and curriculum, schools mold gender identities,
frequently directing boys toward STEM areas and girls into the humanities. The "hidden curriculum," or
implicit lessons, perpetuate established roles.
Media: The media typically presents women as nurturing and appearance-focused, while men are
portrayed as strong and independent. This influences how people perceive gender. Even if there has been
change, conventional stereotypes are still common.
Religion: Religious beliefs frequently assist patriarchal systems by dictating gendered duties. For
example, in many religious traditions, men are usually viewed as leaders, whereas women are supposed to
play men’s supportive roles. In an effort to promote equality, feminist theologians have contested these
readings.
Gender is not created in a vacuum; it interacts with other aspects of identity, including ability, sexual
orientation, class, and race. These intersecting identities result in distinct experiences of privilege and
oppression, as highlighted by Kimberlé Crenshaw's (1989) idea of intersectionality. For instance, whereas
both Black working-class women and white middle-class women endure gender-based discrimination,
their experiences are very different. A key component of how gender is constructed is power dynamics.
Throughout history, patriarchy—a system of male dominance—has influenced gender norms and
hierarchies. According to feminist theorists like Bell Hooks (2000), patriarchy not only gives males
advantages but also upholds strict and damaging standards of masculinity, which can cause men to act
violently, suppress their emotions, and experience other negative consequences.
Gender construction is a broad and intricate process that is influenced by institutional, societal, and
historical factors. It is an ongoing process that starts from birth or even before and continues throughout
life
References
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex. University of Chicago Legal
Forum, 1989(1), 139-167.
Hooks, B. (2000). Feminism Is for Everybody: Passionate Politics. South End Press.
Lorber, J. (1994). Night to his day: The social construction of gender. In P. A. Treichler (Ed.), Paradoxes
of gender (pp. 1-8). Yale University Press.
