Gender Role In American Society

Improved Essays
History was made in the United States when the 19th Amendment was added to the U.S Constitution in 1920.1 Though the new piece of legislation marked the beginning of women’s suffrage rights and the beginning of sexual equality, the U.S has since then made small, tiny steps in moving towards a more equal nation. In a nation where women represent over 50.8% of the total population, it is a curiosity as to why society remains dominated by male ideology.3 Though the United States has been in recent years a supporter of democracy and equality with respect to the world, it has neglected over-seeing equality enacted within its own borders. The basis for such sexual discrimination lies largely with traditionally held values concerning gender roles, …show more content…
A woman is defined by the media as a being that is supposed to embody beauty, meekness, and maternal warmth. Models are commonly used as agents that exemplify what it means to be an ideal woman by “looking” the part. In the grand scheme, however, no ordinary common woman can really look picture perfect twenty-four-seven. Most images that are taken tend to be photo-shopped for beautification purposes, altered by technology such as the computer.[site] It would be normal and somewhat expected for anyone to discover that most original images have been tampered with, to some degree, in order to make a model appear more attractively skinny. Weight is not the only thing that can be modified however. Models can sport flawless skin and darker, sun-kissed tans with the aid of technology. Technology has proved capable of transforming this most plain of women to the most beautiful of models. In the United States, beauty is a virtue and a woman must be beautiful in order to be accepted. A woman must maintain and look a certain weight, must apply the necessary make-up to hide signs of ageing, possess unblemished skin, and look sexually …show more content…
First, women see an inherent need to change their personal, physical image into what they see on a magazine cover or television screen. This is a type of pressure that is not heavily relayed to the opposite gender. The pressure begins to build and expectations must be met and upheld. A woman especially needs to look the part in a society whose foundation is largely built off of good looks. A woman who fails to meet the standards of what is physically acceptable is prone to be outcast or ridiculed by fellow peers of the same and opposing gender. One might question the logic behind such conforming ideals- why are women so obsessed with looking the part and acting the part created for them by society? This answer can be found through conditioning. It is apparent and agreeable that throughout the span of one’s life, one is constantly exposed to a repetitive imagery, especially in regards to how one’s gender role. A girl growing up will be constantly exposed to imagery of beautiful women. She will see various ads for make-up and commercials enticing her to buy toys that allow them to practice such applications. If she sees her favorite singer or actress, the first thing she may aspire to become is more beautiful, like them. It is a wonder that women feel a need to constantly apply products and spend a great deal of time in self-absorbed activity, but understandable. There is no pressure for

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