Every society sets ideas that constitute expectations on the ways individuals and groups must behave, think, dress and act. Last week we analyzed the difference between sex and gender. 1/18

We highlighted that sex is natural occurrence based on person’s biological status that is influenced by biology, anatomy and chromosomes. 2/18

However, gender is a manifestation of social inferences and perceptions. In other words, gender is a social construct. It is something people achieve rather than what they are born with. West & Zimmerman (1987) state that: 3/18

This means that gender is an achieved status. Ergo, gender roles are manifestations of achieved gender status. Status constitutes the social positioning, standings and categories that compromise of different labels. 4/18

This gender status brings with it the upholding of subjective & irrational leverage of individuals with certain status rather than a system of mutual agreement. This type of arbitrary power is one that seeks to subjugate people & groups due to their status & status symbols. 5/18

The theory of social constructionism is important for our understanding of gender because it shows how we come to value & produce certain beliefs, ideas & knowledge. Thus, truth & values go through a series of social processes rather than from biological determinism 6/18

The theory of biological determinism falls at the opposite spectrum of social constructionism. It is the belief that an individual’s traits and behaviors are a result of biological variables that are beyond their control. 7/18

Social constructionism is a theory that posits itself on the notion that knowledge and meaning are all social creations. What we see is just a figment of our imagination. If we create our own realities, we are able to change, modify and eliminate certain aspects over time. 8/18

Social constructions depend on politics, culture, history, institutions and economics in order to come about and survive. Psychologist Steve Pinker explains that these social constructs “exist only because people tacitly agree to act as if they exist.” 9/18

This theory focuses on three key points:
1) Knowledge is socially constructed which means that they are not true and accurate depictions of our realities therefore there lacks objectivity. 10/18

2) There is power in language and the vocabulary we use. Language shapes how we see the world and is a direct reflection of the values we hold. Therefore, language lacks objectivity by positioning certain things higher than others. Language limits expressions & perceptions. 11/18

3) Knowledge is created by the community. It is then accepted & practiced. This knowledge then is turned into policy and is codified. Therefore, when new members join the community they are expected to accept these values & ideas. Thus powers & privilege are maintained. 12/18

The central thesis of this thread is to showcase how gender and gender roles are human creations, not natural occurrences. Thus, it sought to shine light on the much flawed view that gender and sex are the same or go hand-in-hand. 13/18

Individuals groups & societies attach certain traits, statuses and values to individuals & groups based solely on their sex (which is flawed). Yet, these correlations differ based on the different settings, societies and cultures as well as differing from time to time. 14/18

Gender roles aren’t universal (although there are similarities between different communities). They are contextualized based on different spatial and geographical (time & space) variables. 15/18

It’s paramount to understand the social constructions of gender because it highlights the structural properties of our societies that perpetuate gender roles. When we know the issue, we are able to create better solutions. 16/18

It also shows that we are in control of our own realities. Simply put, we architect our realities, knowledges and meanings. Therefore, we can we can change harmful practices and values. 17/18

It is important because it shows us that we don’t not have to accept certain accept behaviors and values simply because society tells us to: there is room to challenge and fight! 18/18