Social Construction of Gender

When speaking of social construction, we are referring to the way society defines and develops ideas and characteristics on issues that vary throughout certain time periods and certain cultures. There are many theories that suggest the development of the differences when dealing with the variations between men and women in society. Some social scientists propose biological differences, citing the distinct brain structures and the hormonal differences between the sexes. Others credit society, arguing that the …

…as a society and will remain in this position forever. We must raise our children to believe in the equality of men and women, blacks and whites. Women must stop acting out the specific roles society expects and create new roles and positions in the society, especially the economy. Women need to free themselves from the barriers the dominant sex, males, have put them behind. Only complete economic independence can bring true freedom to women.