Destruction of Individuality by Social Constructions of Gender

In this context, social construct refers to the meanings, perceptions, and connotations revered to a person by society and then taken up by the entire community concerning particular viewpoints of the individual or events surrounding them. Simply put, a social construct can be defined as an ideology that is widely accepted as natural in a particular society, which may or may not be acceptable to other people. One of the contemporary challenges concerning social constructivism is the uncovering of the various ways in which people participate actively in the perceived social reality. This is because social phenomena must be created, accepted, known and transformed into a way of life or practice. For this reason, mentioning that gender is a socially constructed phenomenon means that sex is highly dependent on social and traditional processes (Lorber 101). The contemporary understanding of gender has been marred by socially constructed perceptions, which have led to the destruction of individuality as people try to conform to accepted norms rather than being themselves.

Social constructs affect both men and women alike. However, women have suffered more and for a longer period due to the strict boundaries developed by the male-dominated society. Since time immemorial, women were allocated certain social roles that defined them as sex objects, child bearers and also as commodities who could be bought or sold. The societal view of women, therefore, hindered the development of an individual’s identity as well as the fragments of self. In the past, any woman who dared venture beyond society’s notion of womanhood could be punished or excommunicated. The various stereotypical traits of true womanhood, good motherhood, and a good wife deny women the chance to uphold their self and individual autonomy (Lorber 106). For instance, a woman who would like to study, get a good job and support her family may not be considered a good wife or mother in some societies hence raising the contention between stay-at-home mothers versus the working ones.

Since devotion to the family, children, and husband is the defining parameter, women must lose their individuality and instead adapt or conform to the social constructs. One has to pretend or force oneself to fit the socially constructed standards, and in the process, the selfhood and identity are unconsciously forsaken. The continuous societal constructs about gender have led to the reinforcement of inferiority in women. This is mainly because there is the expectation to surrender the self-identity and instead focus on making the husband and children happy and satisfied. Such assumptions delimit women’s lives to the extent of sacrificing the self. However, with the rise of feminist ideologies and ethics, the social constructs are slowly being destroyed. Still, it is evident that the rise of individuality and self occurs at the expense of society-defined good motherhood.

Generally speaking, social perceptions and norms tend to fuel the creation of a false persona both in males and females. This is because society has developed differences between women and men in a non-biological format. Each and every member of the community learns and reacts as expected. Failure to do so willingly or unconsciously has its repercussions. In the modern world, excommunication may not take place, but denial of certain privileges and associations, discrimination and stigmatization take place. The gender order is maintained in this way through political power, violence and sometimes the regulation of limited resources. Judith Lorber (1994) in her book “The Social Constructs of Gender” goes on to ascertain the fact that what members of the society observe, learn and practice becomes imprinted into their sense of identity and individuality. As such, the real self becomes disintegrated and discarded.

Sexuality as part and parcel of gender constructivism is another area that cannot be ignored. It is socially accepted that a man is supposed to marry a woman, and for this reason, any deviation to this norm has its repercussions. The LGBTQ community has received various forms of injustice and discrimination due to their “unnatural” behaviour (Feinberg 194). An individual who is gay could, therefore, be forced to live a lie in fear of going against the social constructions of gender and sexuality and, in the process, lose their identity as part of the LGBTQ community. Kimmel (2008) also discusses the male perception and role in society as being masculine and strong rather than weak. Apparently, a man must be able to show aggressiveness, risk-taking, reliability, wealth and power. As such, a man surrounded by such social constructs may end up becoming homophobic (Kimmel 609). Additionally, it denies the males from exercising the self-aspect of emotion and feeling, such as crying, confiding in others and asking for advice or opinions. False confidence indicated by the makes overshadows the real individuality even when one fears, is uncertain about a decision or wants to express emotions.

Conclusion

All in all, contemporary society has gained a foothold in the process towards the neutralization of social constructs that deny the autonomy and development of individuality. Degradation, violence, and discrimination are some of the primary outcomes of such constructs, as well as the limitation to self-rule. Both the male and female ideologies need to be reconstructed in a manner that can facilitate the establishment of a person’s individuality rather than suffering from the consequences of conformity to social constructs of gender.

Works Cited

Feinberg, Leslie. "We are All Works in Progress." Feinberg, Leslie. Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue. Boston: Beacon Press, 1998. 193-197. Document.

Kimmel, Michael S. "Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code." Kimmel, Michael S. Guyland: the perilous world where boys become men. New York: Harper, 2008. 608-616.

Lorber, Judith. Night to his Day”: The Social Constructs of Gender. Yale: Yale University Press, 1994.