Question

Provide examples of Bannon and Doyle’s male gender elements in our society that you have observed. What was your reaction to what you observed?

Answer 1

I have personally found Brannon and Doyle's aspects of the male gender role quite interesting, although slightly stereotypical as well. Some of the examples I can think of pertain to how males tend to portray themselves as cool, laid back and unflappable, displaying the self reliant elements. This is accentuated by the anti feminine element as men as taught not to be emotionally expressive or show any vulnerability. Furthermore, the success element is seen in the workplace. I also see examples of the aggressive element being displayed everyday, with men constantly getting into more physical and verbal fights and grave instances of sexual abuse wherein men attempt to exert their power based on the sexual element.
My reaction to all of this is that like women, men too tend to have certain gender roles that they have to abide by. It also makes me wonder whether these roles are strictly defined across all cultures, and what kind of differences one can expect to see in a matriarchal society. Nevertheless, these gender roles are definitely advantageous to men over women as they also lead to a type of self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to the strengthening of the gap between the genders.