CRJ #3

Carole Vance’s discussion on the social construction theory was fascinating. There is a cultural belief that there are set “truths” about the “natural” behavior and sexuality of the sexes. These beliefs entail that men and women are naturally heterosexual, men should not possess feminine qualities, and women should not possess masculine qualities. These beliefs are not truths though; they are carefully constructed ideas by society. Society created the idea of biological determinism; that biology, through genes most likely, creates appropriate gender behavior patterns. Females are supposed to possess feminine qualities such as beauty, artisanship, and delicacy. Males are supposed to be masculine with qualities such as strength. Essentialism is the belief that that biology can determine one’s behavior. Throughout history the typical roles of males and females have stayed basically the same, and the according to essentialists this is because it passed on through genetics. Social constructionists believe that behaviors are learned and shaped by society not through biological processes. Society determines the specific roles that members of a gender can play appropriately in and outside of the home. There is set of suitable behaviors and qualities that will allow for one to float through life easier. By making life harder for those who don’t fit this suitable norm, society has a way to control gender roles and sexuality. Over time the suitable norm becomes so common that it is deemed as a natural instinct or produced by some biological factor. Through this society has become unified, and people who do not fit are made to feel that they are abnormal. Homosexuals are considered either rebels or biological irregularities. The essentialist idea of biological determination of gender behavior is illogical though because everyone is different. Females vary in interest, looks, and lifestyles. There is set of values that all women can fit into. The same applies to men. Also, it is a societal theory that men are superior to women in many aspects.