The social constructionist approach to the theory of gender combines the views of feminism and social determinism. Sociologists of this direction argue that ideas about gender are constructs that have developed under the influence of cultural, socioeconomic, and political mechanisms. The reality, in the view of sociologists, is a social attitude in connection with which a personality is formed that adapts to the requirements of the world. Gender role is thus a social function that always exists in a given context (Andersen & Witham, 2011). Social expectations force a person to adjust to the range of expectations from their gender and behave in accordance with established prescriptions or, on the contrary, seek to refute them.
The gender role of women during the formation of the Western community is quite predetermined. A woman is perceived as a kind of appendage to the dominant and active male population. The role of a woman is permanently suppressed and put second in relation to a man both in terms of activity and self-expression. Along with this, women are given less freedom, and more rules of decent behavior are imposed on them. During their upbringing, men are given more freedom and less control and demands regarding the responsibility to other people.
This demonstrates the presence of a patriarchal model in which the female gender role is significantly lower, subordinate to the male one. The male gender role is usually expected to be strict, persistent, and tenacious, while the female role is usually portrayed as compliant and caring, providing the man with the comforts of home. Violation of this patriarchal dynamic can lead to condemnation in conservative sections of society. Non-fulfillment by representatives of the gender of these roles belongs to the sphere of social activism called gender performativity (Andersen & Witham, 2011). The difference between this function and role-playing lies in reflective, conscious, and comprehending actions that can change the existing relationship of forces.
Feminist activism by both women and men violates the patriarchal model and belongs to the category of gender performative. However, there are a number of agents who keep the established order of things: these are both representatives of the previous generation and representatives of traditional religious and political denominations. Any authority figure can turn out to be the bearer of ideas that modern philosophical theory considers chauvinistic and misogynistic.
Work Cited
Andersen, M. & Witham, D. H. (2011). Thinking about women: Sociological perspectives on sex and gender (9th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.