Assignment 4

1) What does Cherlin mean when he argues that gender differences are built into the system i.e. "society." Give an example from the text of how gender is systematic.

What Cherlin means are inequalities between women and men are said to be built into their social systems through patriarchy.  Patriarchy is a social order based on the domination of women by men.  The readings suggest that women are seen by society to be responsible for two roles, the stay at home mom, who is in charge of the children and cleaning and cooking, and the powerful business women.  How they live their home lives, is influenced by the power and influence that women have in their national political and economic systems.  An example of how gender is systematic is that western societies are organized so that men have access to more money then women.    


2) Give an example of "doing gender" from your own life. Had you ever thought about this idea before?

An example of "doing gender" from my life would be, that I am studying to be a teacher, because ever since I was little I was told that a teacher is a perfect job for when you have children because you have the same hours as your children in school, and you have the summers off, to spend that time when you have kids.  I have never thought about this before, but now that I have read about it, I wish my parents would have encouraged me to keep my options open for other successful jobs.  

3) From chapters 3 & 6 in the Cherlin text: define sexual identity in your own words. You may paraphrase/summarize Cherlin, but do not directly copy his words.

I think sexual identity is knowing and understanding your own sexual desires to the opposite, same, or both sexes.  It is identifying what pleases you as an individual, despite what society has labeled "right", and "wrong".  It is defining your self sexually as an individual, and discovering what sex or sexes you are personally attracted too.  


4) Next give one reasons why social constructionists argue that sexual identity or gender are socially constructed.

Social constructionists argue that sexual identity or gender are socially constructed because children are socialized, in part, thought playing games and sports in same-sex, school age peer groups.  In these groups, children learn the behaviors expected of them, try out these behaviors with their peers, get feedback on how well they are performing and try again.  Sociologists have studied how this interactive process produces and reinforces different behavior patterns in boys and girls.  


5) Last, why is it difficult to find accurate data on sexuality as a researcher? If you were asked to participate in a study on sexuality would you answer truthfully? Would you participate at all? What kinds of things would you want to hear from the researcher about how your privacy would be protected if you did participate?

It is difficult to find accurate data on sexuality because some scholars take the position that sexual identities are completely determined by society, and others take the position that biological influences may also play a significant role in determining people's sexual identities.  I would participate, and answer truthfully, and what I would like to hear on how to protected my privacy, is how I would be able to trust my partner, or what signs I should look for, if I did suspect something shady from my partner.