The article by Mary Ellen Alu (2019) focuses on social differences between the sexes. Society places many stereotypes on both men and women, infringing certain values, which create conflicts and problems. As these values are ingrained during childhood, people find it difficult to resist them in adulthood. Understanding why the damaging gender ideas are implanted is essential in ascertaining the harm they make in perspective.
Sex and gender are drastically different concepts. Sex is a physical state of a person, which is determined by physiology. Gender is a social construct, which is created by society. The author notes that the problem with gender is that it presupposes social roles, which men and women are expected to match. As much as boys are taught to be aggressive and domineering, girls are raised to be submissive and compliant. Overall, there is a definite emphasis on the psychological and physical importance of masculinity in the modern culture.
The author concludes that the subsequent implication of this upbringing is rape culture. It is a resulting status quo, where men and women are so accustomed to corresponding gender roles that they are not able to see the initial problem. Allu argues that instead of helping men and women cope with their mental or physical issues, society pressures them into accepting their situation as a given, which results in the further perpetuation of violence and gender stereotypes.
The reason for the self-defeating cycle of violence and gender expectations lies in the lack of adequate sex education. The author believes that introducing educational programs in elementary school when children’s psyche is still forming. It is important to teach them the value of gender respect, rules of consent, and communicative discipline early on. The author believes that work with the growing generation is key to breaking the masculinity ideology and ending rape culture.
Reference
Alu, M. E. (2019). The impacts of gender role socialization on health and culture. Leigh University. Web.