ABOUT CULTURE( ANTROPOLOGY) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ABOUT CULTURE( ANTROPOLOGY) - Essay Example Gender-roles were defined as expectations regarding the proper behaviour, attitudes and activities of males and females. The application of traditional gender roles leads to many differentiation between men and women. Both sexes are physically capable of leaning to cook and sew, yet most western societies determine that these tasks should be performed by women. Both men and women are capable of learning to weld metal and fly airplanes but these functions are generally assigned to males. All of us can describe the traditional gender-role patterns which have been influential in the socialization of children and the United States. Male babies get blue blankets while females get pink one. Boys are expected to play with trucks, blocks and toy soldiers; girls are given dolls and kitchen goods. Boys must be masculine – active, aggressive, tough, daring and dominant – whereas girls must be feminine – soft, emotional, sweet and submissive. Boys are socialized to think that they are invulnerable, fearless, decisive and even emotionless in some situations. These are difficult standards to meet; yet, for boys who does not â€Å"measure up† life can be trying. This is especially true for boys who show an interest in activities thought of as feminine such as cooking or for those who do not enjoy traditional masculine activities such as competitive sports. Women are portrayed to be more religious and spiritual. They are the ones who continuously ask for divine guidance when the family experiences suffering or hardships. Aside from this, women are also depicted to be very keen in keeping up with the traditions or rituals required of their religion. In any society, gender socialization and stratification requires not only individual socialization into traditional gender roles within the family, but also the promotion and support of these traditional roles by other social institutions such as religion and education. Moreover, even with all the major