Social Construction of Gender

The social construction of gender is based on perceived sex differences in society rather than biological bases. I agree that society plays a big part when it comes to gender roles. Children are being exposed to certain stereotypes they feel they need to fit into because of their gender. They can be influenced by television shows, movies, fairy tales, and even toys sold in local stores. The way we communicate with kids also drops hints and leads them to act a certain way.

From the moment a child is born they are dressed in either blue or pink to show their gender. Little girls get dressed up in cute princess outfits, and boys are dressed in camouflage shirts and darker shades. Movies and fairy tales make the women seem to be in dire need of a mans help to come rescue them, showing that men are tough and brave and woman fall into the damsel in distress category. Adults address children differently based on gender. Even toys sold in stores for boys and girls are drastically different. According to society, boys play with trucks, super heroes, and action figures, and girls play with baby dolls, princesses, and barbies.

Global Inequality

After listening to a podcast about global inequality, I learned that it does affect us more than I thought. It may not directly affect us, but if we pay close attention we can see explanations for changes in our everyday lives. All countries are intertwined when it come to the stratification system, which explains why it is important that we pay close attention to what is going on in other countries.

Since we get most of our products from other countries, it only makes sense that when a particular country is doing bad it affects the cost of that product in our country. The price of gas is a good example of this. When prices start to change, so does the strength of our economy. Global inequality also affects our environment, such as natural resources. All countries contribute something to the world, whether it's good or bad.

Social Class in the U.S. Today

After watching several videos on the PBS website about People Like Us: Social Class in America, I am presented with the question "How much do you think social class matters in the U.S. today?". From what I have observed, I think it probably matters too much to most people. Almost everything you do, buy, or wear gives people a certain indication to what social class you are in. Apparently people are more drawn to other people in the same social class as them. They share common interests and can relate more, which makes them feel comfortable.

I think social class matters a lot because everyone cares about what other people think of them. People are very judgmental, and will judge you on just about everything you do. If you dress nice, have expensive furniture, and go to fancy restaurants people will be envious of you. And who doesn't want to be envied? It makes you feel important and better than others. We all stress the fact that everyone is equal, but our actions show otherwise. I think our nature is too selfish to truly believe that everyone is equal, which is very troubling and sad.