Gender Development Research Paper

1844 Words8 Pages

Xuyen Nguyen
Journal Entries 1-5

Journal Entry 1: Theories of Gender Development
I decided to ask my mom what her definitions of a “man” and a “woman” are. She asserted that “real” men are the head of the households and are the ones who can provide for his family. Additionally, she pointed out physical attributes such as short hair and a strong built. On the other hand, my mom indicated that women should be feminine and caring, knows how to cook and care for her family. However, at the same time, a woman should know how to take care of herself first (i.e. academically and financially).
Considering that my mom is more traditional and the generational differences between us, I was not surprised at her answers. I agree with some aspects of what …show more content…

Based on the theories provided by the book, there is not one definite theory that encompasses what I believe. I think there are so many different layers that influence the progression of gender, that one aspect cannot account for it all. Therefore, this is where my mom and I differ in our perspectives. Now that I have been more educated and exposed to these kinds of topics, I think I have a developed a more contemporary definition of what it means to be a woman and a man. I don’t think it’s fair to make men the breadwinner of the family or the woman to be the caregiver. However, if it’s their wish to follow these traditional gender roles, then it is their choice. Subconsciously, though, I do find myself automatically assuming these standard gender roles when I ponder about gender since it was something I grew up with. Overall, this is not a black and white …show more content…

Even at birth, parents and other relatives make comments such as “oh, look how beautiful she looks” or “he’s so handsome, just like his father.” Then as we grow up, we are exposed to magazines, television, movie, and the media which dictates the beauty standards. When it comes to the messages between men and women, I think they both receive different messages of what it means to be attractive. Despite the recent trend of an hourglass body, women are still expected to look slim and toned at the same time. They are pressured to have the right proportions of hips to waist along with all of these other requirements, which are quite unrealistic. On the other hand, men are really expected to have muscular bodies. While the “dad bod” may be becoming more popular, muscular men tend to be the center of what media and other portrays as the

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