Question

Please respond to each of the questions in no more than 3 sentences each.

1.   Are we as a society becoming more aware of gender role biases?

2.   Are our stated opinions a true indication of our actual views?

3.   If our views are changing, what is the source (or sources) of change?

4. Does society need to be more or less tolerant of differences?

Answer 1

1. Yes, we as a society are becoming more aware of the gender role biases and it's impact on our lives. There are many movements, especially the feminist movement which is making huge efforts to change gender roles that are oppressive in nature.

2. In some case it might be, however in most this is not the case. We have an intrinsic need to fit in with society and be accepted by all, because of which many of our stated opinions may not be what we actually feel, but rather an indication to be accepted.

3. One of the reasons behind views changing could be when one finds that influencing people have a different view to theirs. Persuasive arguments that use calm words are alsi very effective in changing views.

4. Society definitely needs to become more tolerant of individual differences, and thinking you are right and others are wrong. It is important to have respect, which automatically increases levels of tolerance. Intolerance stems from insecurity and the need to defend oneself. However, if people became more confident about themsekves, they'd realise that there is no need to defend themselves, which in turn would greatly reduce conflict.