Social construction theory is a theory that asserts that race, class, gender and sexuality are all socially constructed within structures of power and privilege to benefit one group over another. The theory also argues that gender identities, differences and inequalities are socially constructed , and as it relates to gender and women studies, sex is biological, while gender is a social construction. Due to the fact that gender is constructed within a structure of power to favour men and masculinity, there exist many inequalities in society that effect women in many aspects of life. This essay will analyze these inequalities by first critiquing Nelly Oudshoorns arguments. It will also illustrate that gender differences/inequalities are socially
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Martin’s analysis in the Sex and Gender: The Egg and the Sperm: How Science has Constructed a Romance Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles suggests that scientific observation and description are not neutral as they are built on socially constructed norms that reinforce dominant stereotypes. As such, science is seen as one social institution that reproduces and reinforces these patriarchal values seen in society. In Martin’s article, she draws on examples that propose the role of the egg and sperm in ways that devalue females while simultaneously privileging males. Additionally, Martin shows that scientific discourse used to describe the process of reproduction uses many stereotypes. Such stereotypes include the “damsel-in-distress” and the idea that the male reproductive system is great and morally worthy while the females is bad and corrupt (CITE). Similarly, when referring to the attributes of the sperm and the egg, Martin shows how scientific discourse reproduces gender roles (CITE). It can be seen that the sperm is depicted as strong, powerful, taking the role of a leader and being brave. While the egg is seen as being passive, fragile, completed when the sperm penetrates her and useless until the sperm gives it meaning (CITE). Therefore, this article further illustrates how biological discourse is not neutral because it is constructed to depict ideas seen in society. Ideas that reinforce …show more content…
The social construction of gender and gender performativity is something that is perpetuated from birth. There are socially constructed ideas of the toys each sex should play with and the colour of clothes kids should wear. Even in media, men are instilled with the idea of putting on a “tough guise”. In the 90s, big action stars such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged as studs with particular bodies and perpetuating a certain kind of masculinity. In these movies, they often have to save a vulnerable girl from harm. A failure to do so would be seen as them being sissies, “uncool” and not tough. Twenty years later, the “damsel-in-distress” mentality is still perpetuated in media today. Therefore, the social construction theory is one that is prevalent in everyone’s life and is something that needs to be challenged and deconstructed to allow women, and others who are oppressed by it to be given equal access and equal opportunity that those in positions of power
Martin’s analysis in the Sex and Gender: The Egg and the Sperm: How Science has Constructed a Romance Based on Stereotypical Male-Female Roles suggests that scientific observation and description are not neutral as they are built on socially constructed norms that reinforce dominant stereotypes. As such, science is seen as one social institution that reproduces and reinforces these patriarchal values seen in society. In Martin’s article, she draws on examples that propose the role of the egg and sperm in ways that devalue females while simultaneously privileging males. Additionally, Martin shows that scientific discourse used to describe the process of reproduction uses many stereotypes. Such stereotypes include the “damsel-in-distress” and the idea that the male reproductive system is great and morally worthy while the females is bad and corrupt (CITE). Similarly, when referring to the attributes of the sperm and the egg, Martin shows how scientific discourse reproduces gender roles (CITE). It can be seen that the sperm is depicted as strong, powerful, taking the role of a leader and being brave. While the egg is seen as being passive, fragile, completed when the sperm penetrates her and useless until the sperm gives it meaning (CITE). Therefore, this article further illustrates how biological discourse is not neutral because it is constructed to depict ideas seen in society. Ideas that reinforce …show more content…
The social construction of gender and gender performativity is something that is perpetuated from birth. There are socially constructed ideas of the toys each sex should play with and the colour of clothes kids should wear. Even in media, men are instilled with the idea of putting on a “tough guise”. In the 90s, big action stars such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged as studs with particular bodies and perpetuating a certain kind of masculinity. In these movies, they often have to save a vulnerable girl from harm. A failure to do so would be seen as them being sissies, “uncool” and not tough. Twenty years later, the “damsel-in-distress” mentality is still perpetuated in media today. Therefore, the social construction theory is one that is prevalent in everyone’s life and is something that needs to be challenged and deconstructed to allow women, and others who are oppressed by it to be given equal access and equal opportunity that those in positions of power