Question

What does it mean when sociologists argue that gender is socially constructed and that gender socialization explains much of the gender differences we see, choosing two separate aspects of family to give an example from.

Answer 1

Sociologists argue that gender is socially constructed because- culture and society are the root reasons behind the creation of gender roles. The roles so pioneered are supposed to be appropriate related to some gender.

The person who is not related to the role as per the gender is treated as the outsiders. The social construct of the gender is not at all the constant thing but go on changing continuously.

The social construct has been altered since the times unknown. For example, in the ancient times there were two generalised roles- Men were the hunters and women were gatherers. It means that the roles of the men and the women were equal.

Further when the men got engaged in agriculture, men created a surplus. Women were not the part of this mechanism and surplus. They were treated as secondary.

A framework of social behaviour according to the gender is termed as gender socialisation. The gender roles have changed a lot, for example- masculinity, strength and vigour are the traits allied with the males whereas understanding, femininity and support are the traits relevant to  women.