Posted: August 14th, 2022

Sociology of Gender

Sociology of Gender: A Assignment help – Discussion

Sociology of gender is a branch of sociology that studies how gender shapes and is shaped by social institutions, culture, and interactions. Gender refers to the socially constructed meanings, expectations, and identities associated with being male or female in a given society. Gender is not a fixed or innate attribute, but rather a dynamic and fluid process that varies across time, place, and context.

One of the main topics that sociology of gender explores is the diversity and complexity of gender experiences and expressions among different groups of people. For example, sociology of gender examines how race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, age, disability, religion, and nationality intersect with gender to create multiple and overlapping forms of oppression and privilege. Sociology of gender also analyzes how gender influences various aspects of social life, such as family, education, work, politics, media, health, and violence.

Third-Wave Feminism

One of the contemporary perspectives that sociology of gender draws from is third-wave feminism. Third-wave feminism is a movement that emerged in the 1990s and early 2000s as a response to perceived shortcomings in the earlier waves of feminism. It is characterized by a focus on intersectionality, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as a commitment to exploring the ways in which gender intersects with other forms of oppression.

Third-wave feminists criticized the rigid stance of many second-wave feminists for looking at all forms of sexual expression by women as vulgar and dis-empowering. They introduced the concept of ‘consent’. They believed that a woman, as an autonomous individual, has the right to enjoy sex and express herself sexually in any way that she deems fit. They were against the policing of women’s sexuality.

Third-wave feminists also extended the argument for reproductive rights and transformed it into an issue of justice. They argued that access to safe and legal abortion is not only a matter of personal choice, but also a matter of social and economic equality for women. They challenged the stigma and discrimination faced by women who seek abortion services, especially those who are poor, young, or marginalized.

Third-wave feminists also embraced the idea of “girl power” and reclaimed derogatory words used for females like bitch, slut, etc. They used them in an empowering sense. They celebrated the diversity and multiplicity of women’s voices and experiences. They also recognized the contributions and struggles of women of color, LGBTQ+ women, disabled women, immigrant women, and other groups that had been marginalized or excluded by mainstream feminism.

Some of the key issues that third-wave feminism addresses are sexual violence, sexual harassment, rape culture, body image, media representation, online activism, environmental justice, global solidarity, and human rights.

Toxic Masculinity

Another topic that sociology of gender investigates is toxic masculinity. Toxic masculinity refers to the notion that some people’s idea of “manliness” perpetuates domination, homophobia, and aggression. Toxic masculinity involves cultural pressures for men to behave in a certain way. And it’s likely this affects all boys and men in some fashion.

Toxic masculinity can have harmful effects on men’s mental health and well-being. It can lead to emotional repression, self-reliance, stress, substance abuse, depression, suicide, and violence. It can also have negative impacts on women and society at large. It can contribute to misogyny, sexism,
sexual assault, domestic violence, homophobia,
transphobia,
racism,
and other forms of oppression.

Some examples of toxic masculine traits are:

– A man should suffer physical and emotional pain in silence.
– A man should not show or express emotions other than anger or aggression.
– A man should be strong, tough,
daring,
and dominant.
– A man should be sexually active,
promiscuous,
and assertive.
– A man should not engage in activities or hobbies that are considered feminine or gay.
– A man should not ask for help or admit weakness or vulnerability.

Toxic masculinity does not mean that all men are toxic or that all aspects of masculinity are toxic. There are many ways to be a man that are healthy,
positive,
and respectful. There are also many men who challenge
and resist
the norms
and expectations
of toxic masculinity.

MeToo Movement

One of the recent social movements that sociology of gender examines is the MeToo movement. The MeToo movement is a survivor-focused leadership on sexual abuse,
sexual harassment,
and rape culture,
in which people publicize their experiences
of sexual abuse
or sexual harassment.
The phrase “Me Too” was initially used in this context on social media in 2006 by sexual assault survivor
and activist Tarana Burke.
The hashtag #MeToo was used starting in 2017 as a way to draw attention to the magnitude
of the problem.

The MeToo movement aims to end sexual violence
and support survivors across the world,
especially those of color
and low-income communities.
It also seeks to hold perpetrators and enablers accountable,
and to challenge the power structures
and cultures
that enable and normalize sexual misconduct.

The MeToo movement has had a significant impact on various sectors and spheres of society, such as Hollywood, politics, media, sports, education, and religion. It has led to the exposure, resignation, termination, or prosecution of many prominent men accused of sexual abuse or harassment. It has also sparked a global conversation and awareness about the prevalence and effects of sexual violence, as well as the need for systemic and cultural change.

References:

[1] Burke, T. (2018). The inception. In B. Seales, R. Clark-Flory, & T. Burke (Eds.), Not that bad: Dispatches from rape culture (pp. 1-6). Harper Perennial.

[2] Flood, M. (2019). Engaging men and boys in violence prevention. Palgrave Macmillan.

[3] Kimmel, M. S., & Kaufman, M. (1994). Weekend warriors: The new men’s movement. In H. Brod & M. Kaufman (Eds.), Theorizing masculinities (pp. 259-288). Sage Publications.

[4] Morin, A. (2022). What is toxic masculinity? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-masculinity-5075107

[5] Sociology Group. (2023). help write my dissertation on Understanding third wave feminism: Everything you should know. https://www.sociologygroup.com/third-wave-feminism/

[6] Global Fund for Women. (2024). Me Too movement: What is the Me Too movement? https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/movements/me-too/

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