Race and gender are intrinsic traits of society and should not be considered either strictly biological or solely socially constructed. Both race and gender, or biological sex, have well-defined biological manifestations. Women differ from men in many physical aspects, while members of different races have their own unique physical characteristics. Thus, it can be argued that sex and race stem from biology. However, as most people in the world live in communities and belong to broader society, these notions also accumulate socially constructed characteristics. Throughout the centuries, the view on women and their place in society changed significantly in most countries. However, in some Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, women are still viewed as the property of their families and are not allowed some freedoms that men have (Lacey, 2011). This attitude towards women should not be viewed as strictly biological or strictly social but rather a combination of two. The culture and the religious influences condition this behavior, but biology also plays a substantial role.
Considering prompt B, I believe the long-term employee does not have a valid point in claiming that their Mediterranean ancestry and natural biological impulses prevent them from trying to court the new employee. I agree that their age, biology, and culture have contributed to a specific worldview being formed. However, society also constructs certain rules that people should observe. The freedom of one person ends, where the liberty of another begins. I would argue that the long-term employee infringes on the freedom of the new person in the company. Their heritage should not be used as an excuse for unacceptable behavior. Furthermore, a workplace is not an appropriate place for courting, and such unwarranted attention can prevent the new employee from performing their best. I would argue that with this excuse, the long-term worker disregards the socially constructed rules of the country and their place of employment.
Reference
Lacey, R. (2011). The precarious modernity of Saudi Arabia[Video]. YouTube.