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Essay / Critique of the Social Construction Approach to Gender
Social construction theory is based on assumptions collected through various sources about the world around us. It is a theory built on the basis of historical norms and stories. Social construction theory is a debate in itself that asserts that gender differences and gender inequalities are rooted in assumptions, historical narratives, cultures, beliefs, and teachings. This is not scientifically a theory. This theory suggests that society and its culture, traditions and norms play an important role in defining gender roles, these gender roles are considered the appropriate behavior for a specific gender. Gender norms are taught from birth and vary by space; Social institutions such as culture, religion, politics, media, and education help shape this perceived behavior. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay This approach is developed in more detail in an article “Introduction beyond the natural body” by Nelly Oudshoorn. "For thousands of years, the 'unisex model' dominated biomedical discourse, even so much so that medical tests lacked specific anatomical nomenclature for women." This quote focuses on the idea of gender equality and the similarities between the two sexes. The only factor that sets them apart is the direction of their reproductive organs. The female body was considered similar to the male body and their organs functioned in the same way. This misconception was such that female organs were described as male organs; for example, the ovary was considered the female testicle. Terms such as vagina, ovary and clitoris were not used at that time. The female body structure was conceived as an inferior model of the male body and they lacked a distinct identity as a completely different gender. This shows the delay in scientific methods and in understanding the human body. “Man is the measure of all things and woman does not exist as an ontologically distinct category.” In ancient times, women were not considered as competitive as men and their gender was not afforded a distinct status and identity. Men were conceived as the perfect image of God's creation, and the status of women was analyzed and presented in relation to that of men. This notion was a result of the patriarchal thinking that existed at that time. “By the end of the 19th century, medical scientists had extended its sexualization to every conceivable part of the body: bones, blood vessels, cells, hair, and the brain.” “Only the eye seems to have no sex.” From this period onwards, medical scientists began to focus on the differences between the two sexes and contradict the previous notion. Women's bodies were distinguished on the basis of their organs and functions which were not identical to those of men. The role of their reproductive organs gives them a distinct identity. This change in medical history altered the overall status of women in society by giving them an identity; although they are still considered inferior beings, this idea sparked the revolution for gender equality that is still present in today's society. To this day, a biological determination remains an argument that separates differences of gender, social status and race. They are considered the “inevitable result of nature and biology”. The same, 2000), 296-304