A Social Constructivist Approach on the Heterosexual Matrix and Gender Stereotypes
SXST 2101 Final Paper Assignment
A Social Constructivist Approach on the Heterosexual Matrix and Gender Stereotypes
Fiona Azizaj; 100868761
Professor: Davorka Ljubisic
TA: Vadeka Booth
In a world where sexuality is mainly understood, as well as taught, on a two-sex model, society has trained us to assume certain roles based on our prescribed gender, our culture and our race. Heterosexual, white men are still viewed as superior to all groups of people, especially when compared to members of the GLBTTIQQ2S, and ethnically diverse groups of women. Gender stereotypes branch from mutually accepted views on sexuality that are taught and practiced from the moment a baby is born, through childhood and adolescence, and into adulthood. While young boys are socialized to play with trucks, little girls are instructed to play with dolls. Female inferiority has been nurtured since it began, and as a result this notion has maintained a firm grip on our values. Consequentially, this generational conditioning teaches women to adhere to their expected roles, further hindering their evolution in society. Through universal acceptance of gender roles, women continually struggle to gain equality, value, and acknowledgment from their colleagues, as well as from society. This paper will discuss an analysis of women in political positions living in Canada that face hardships in their work environment, as well as female sexualisation in the North American context. Social constructivism will be applied to the concepts of sexual/gender stereotyping and the heterosexual matrix in order to demonstrate just how influential media is in shaping our values. The hyper-sexualisation of women and the heterosexual matrix confirm that gender roles and norms are taught and reinforced through a vicious cycle led primarily by the media. Various types of media outlets, including newspapers, radio, television stations, and the internet, shape our
A Social Constructivist Approach on the Heterosexual Matrix and Gender Stereotypes
Fiona Azizaj; 100868761
Professor: Davorka Ljubisic
TA: Vadeka Booth
In a world where sexuality is mainly understood, as well as taught, on a two-sex model, society has trained us to assume certain roles based on our prescribed gender, our culture and our race. Heterosexual, white men are still viewed as superior to all groups of people, especially when compared to members of the GLBTTIQQ2S, and ethnically diverse groups of women. Gender stereotypes branch from mutually accepted views on sexuality that are taught and practiced from the moment a baby is born, through childhood and adolescence, and into adulthood. While young boys are socialized to play with trucks, little girls are instructed to play with dolls. Female inferiority has been nurtured since it began, and as a result this notion has maintained a firm grip on our values. Consequentially, this generational conditioning teaches women to adhere to their expected roles, further hindering their evolution in society. Through universal acceptance of gender roles, women continually struggle to gain equality, value, and acknowledgment from their colleagues, as well as from society. This paper will discuss an analysis of women in political positions living in Canada that face hardships in their work environment, as well as female sexualisation in the North American context. Social constructivism will be applied to the concepts of sexual/gender stereotyping and the heterosexual matrix in order to demonstrate just how influential media is in shaping our values. The hyper-sexualisation of women and the heterosexual matrix confirm that gender roles and norms are taught and reinforced through a vicious cycle led primarily by the media. Various types of media outlets, including newspapers, radio, television stations, and the internet, shape our
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