Question

Question 3:

(a) What norms govern the expression of emotions in your roles of student? Note, to answer this question you also have to identify particular roles and connect them to the norms you identify. (b) Do these emotional display norms vary by gender? Back up your answer. (c) How are these display norms enforced? (d) What effect might these norms have on power relationships among women and men?

Answer 1

Social norms are the rules prevalent in a society and people living in that society are expected to behave in accordance with these rules. Social norms govern our expression of emotions in every sphere of life. These norms also set rules for different roles in a society. A person could play various roles such as  mother, father, sibling, friend, teacher, student in a society. Mothers are considered best for rearing a child and looking after them. A teacher is supposed to teach students in a class and students are supposed to follow the instructions of teachers. As a student, I have to follow the norms of the academic institution that I study at.

Yes, these emotional display norms vary by gender. Still, in most countries of the world, only mothers get maternity leave for taking care of their children. Paternity leave is not legalized as people and societal norms believe that only mothers can look after their children. Girls are expected to be more responsible and loving for their families. Males are expected to be more achievement oriented in their life.

These display norms are enforced through socialization. Girls are made more sensitive and boys are made more competitive through socialization.

Power in most societies is generally considered a man's thing.  Due to these societal norms a few numbers of women enter such spheres where power and authority matter most, for example, America has not got its first female president so far. In middle eastern countries, women are denied many of the rights that their male partners are allowed to have. Rules and roles for women are changing, but they still have a long way to go.