Masculinity

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5,6

Masculinity

In our feminism unit, you explored how gender stereotypes are constructed using the examples of mothers and wives. Now we will look at the same issues but in relation to men. 

Masculinity

Question the students: write down three associations you have with the word, 'Masculinity'. 

How does your culture impact your ideas about masculinity?

How closely does this commercial reflect our ideas of masculinity?

AOE - R,W, & T

How can texts present challenges and offer insights?

Using the text of the Old Spice commercial, write a list of insights and another  list of challenges with regard to:

• Gender roles
• Stereotypes
• Gender equality

Socialization

"the process of learning to behave in a way that is acceptable to society" (Philpot, 109).

Ex. A child receives a candy from an adult and the mother jumps in with, "What do you say?", expecting the child to say, "thank you."

How are boys and young men socialized through the use of various expressions?

a. Nice guys finish last.

b. Man up.

c. Boys don't cry. 

d. Grow a pair.

e. Men are pigs. 

f. Mama's boy

g. Boys will be boys

h. (S)he wears the pants. 

i. That is so gay. 

Why are these expressions considered offensive?

Why are they problematic for society?

What do they imply about manhood?

Linguistic Determinism (TOK)

Is language a description of real-life experiences, or does language structure our understanding of real life? 

"That's so gay."
Change the word, gay, to another adjective without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Linguistic Determinism

If the phrase, "That's so gay" is used to mean, "That's so stupid", then people will equate homosexuality with intellectual inferiority. This is why such phrases (and others) can be harmful and offensive. 

What other examples of language impact your understanding of gender roles?

Gender bias in job applications

Company description:

We are a dominant engineering firm that boasts many leading clients. We are determined to stand apart from the competition. 

Does the previous text show a bias toward men, women, or neither/both?

Men

Women

Neither/both

Gender bias in job applications

Company Description:

We are a community of engineers who have effective relationships with many satisfied clients. We are committed to understanding the engineering sector intimately. 

Does the previous text show a bias toward men, women, or neither/both?

Men

Women

Neither/both

Gender bias in job applications

Qualifications:

Proficient oral and written communication skills. Collaborates well in a team environment. Sensitive to clients' needs, and can develop warm client relationships. 

Does the previous text show a bias toward men, women, or neither/both?

Men

Women

Neither/both

Gender bias in job applications

Qualifications:

Strong communication and influencing skills. Ability to perform individually in a competitive environment. Superior ability to satisfy customers and manage the company's association with them. 

Does the previous text show a bias toward men, women, or neither/both?

Men

Women

Neither/both

Gender bias in job applications

Responsibilities:

Direct project groups to manage project progress and ensure accurate task control. Determine compliance with clients' objectives. 

Does the previous text show a bias toward men, women, or neither/both?

Men

Women

Neither/both

Gender bias in job applications

Responsibilities:

Provide general support to the project team in a manner that's complementary to the company. Helps with construction activities. 

Social Construct

"A representation of a person, place, or thing, collectively created by society through social interaction and the mass media" (Philpot, 110).

In my society, there are pressures on men to be...

A 'good' father is one who...

People usually find men attractive when they ...

Certain characteristics of men that are not valued by society include...

Homework Assignment

1. Go to page 111-112 of your textbook and read text 2.13, 'What is a Man?' by Tom Chiarella for Esquire 2015. 

2. Do exercise 2.6 above the text. Find textual evidence that ideal men are ... (a-l) according to the editorial you've just read.

3. Link your document to your Learner Portfolio.  

Copy this to Mbac.