PaBryanna Huizar
HWOC 3
Kirby
05.1.18
Discrimination Based On Gender
Gender discrimination in today’s society may be considered nearly nonexistent to many; in fact, some may believe that equality between the sexes has been accomplished. Unfortunately, gender roles and relations can take a huge part in extending the effects of inequality. In To Kill a Mockingbird, A Raisin In The Sun, and The American Denial, the authors provide distinct examples of social hierarchy on the basis of gender. These structures can in turn create stigma between men and women, causing some to be held back in life and others to be propelled forward.
For generations and generations, there have been expectations set in place for the duties of women. Since nearly the beginning of time, society and media have both portrayed women as being gentle and passive. Currently, not much has changed and there are many who still believe that a woman’s place is at home. Because of this, a person’s gender can ultimately hinder their opportunities in life.
Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird revolves around a young girl named Louise Finch, or Scout as many others call her. Although this novel isn’t autobiographical, it does share striking similarities to Lee’s own life. While the novel takes place in the 1930’s, the author writes about issues that were relevant to her time. Along with race, Lee also goes into great detail about gender. Because she lost her mother at a young age, Scout doesn’t seem to be opposed to her lack of femininity and neither does her father, Atticus. However, her aunt Alexandra openly discourages her tomboyish actions and takes it upon herself to transform Scout into a more respectable young lady. Expressing her resentment toward femininity, Scout says, “I felt the starched walls of a pink cotton penitentiary closing in on me, and for the second time in my life I thought of running away.” (Lee, 155). By comparing femininity to a penitentiary, Scout suggests that womanly qualities make her feel imprisoned and trapped. Imposing traditional gender roles onto children at a young age can make them feel uncomfortable with themselves and their bodies. Yet, allowing children to express themselves encourages them to mature with a more open and accepting mindset.
A Raisin In The Sun by Lorraine Hansberry is a play that takes place in Chicago in the 1950’s. During this time period, gender discrimination was not as bad as it had been in previous eras, however women were still not given equal opportunities as men. In this play, one of the main characters, Beneatha, actively pursues a medical education; her brother, Walter thinks it isn’t the best for their family. He says, “Who the hell told you to be a doctor? If you so crazy ‘bout messing ‘round with sick people- then go be a nurse like other women- or just get married and be quiet…” (Hansberry, 38) Unfortunately, this was a common mentality during the 1950’s. This was almost directly due to the recent demobilization of WWII, which had brought many changes to America. Thousands of women who had recently joined the workforce during the war were displaced by returning soldiers. Messages in pop-culture promoted these women to leave their jobs and return quietly to domestic life so that men could continue to work. Women, however wished to remain working and thus started to make up a significant portion of the workforce. Although women remained working, their salaries began to decline. The trend of women earning less than men working the same job still continues today.
Despite women having many disadvantages put onto them, men can also face challenges. While it is mostly true that men are less inclined to share their emotions, this can have detrimental effects on their mental health. Rather, the emotional stoicism that has been expected of men is a result of the sociocultural pressures that have been building up for generations on end. Some have coined this term, “toxic masculinity”. This is often seen in A Raisin In The Sun through Walter. Instead of expressing his emotions in a healthy manner, Walter ultimately resorts to binge drinking. He yells, “Don’t start! . . . Your nagging! Where was I? Who was I with? How much money did I spend?” (Hansberry, 86). Alcoholism is seen in men much more than it is in women, which of course makes sense, as men are expected to repress their negative emotions; without a proper outlet, this can lead to substance abuse. Furthermore, substance abuse can lead to depression and even suicide. This is why it is crucial to start teaching our young boys that it is acceptable to express every emotion they have- It may save their lives.
Nevertheless, the previously mentioned sources are merely works of fiction. In 1944, a Swedish economist, sociologist and politician named Gunnar Myrdal performed a study to help destroy the “separate but equal” mentality that the United States had concerning people of color. In American Denial, a documentary, many of Myrdal’s statements regarding the implicit bias Americans have against these people are highlighted. Though this documentary is mostly centered around racism, it can also be noted that Myrdal had an unconscious impartiality towards his wife, Alva Myrdal. Alva Myrdal was very similar to her husband- she was a sociologist, diplomat and politician. The two often worked alongside each other, conducting research on progressive projects. They were both very close to each other, and very alike in dignity- even so, could Gunnar Myrdal have been living the very same kind of denial and hypocrisy he was investigating? Walter A. Jackson, a Professor of History at North Carolina State University comments on Gunnar’s relationship with Alva, “He had in public been an advocate of women’s equality, but in private he completely dominated the family.” (Jackson, 27:36). Very convinced of his stature, Gunnar believed that he was a genius compared to the other members of his family. This in turn created a lot of tension between the two spouses. Situations like these are very common in many households, and it may not always be done on purpose. Gender discrimination will not always be as obvious as the wage gap- smaller issues that go on in a household can also contribute to the general separation of females and males.
Two major insights that can positively affect our society regarding gender are the awareness through education and through this awareness, the activism that can ensue. There are ways to challenge gender stereotypes, which can include going to protests or teaching younger generations to be more accepting. These can be beneficial for everyone- no matter their gender or gender identity. By opposing stereotypes aimed at both men and women, new opportunities can open up for everyone whether it be financial, educational or mental.
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