Sociology of Gender Theories

Answer

Introduction

It is a common saying that men and women come from different planets due to their different ideologies (Kimmel & Holler 2000). Many scholars have come up with ways to explain this. For example, scientists through biological determinism and socialists through differential socialization both explain why the two species differ from each other.

Biological determinism

Biologists argue that the human behavior is not determined by the stars or themselves, rather in their cells. According to one scientist, the cell arrangements and the human brain anatomy is what leads to the difference between males and females (Kimmel & Holler 2000). The biological explanation is linked to objective facts of science and they explain vividly what is already observed making it more persuasive, especially, since there is a clear indication that both male and female are so different, that one could think they are from different planets. Biologists believe that, that what is there, should actually be there as it is purely natural (Kimmel & Holler 2000). Darwin wondered how some species are the way they are, and how others have different traits but the same time some traits that resemble. He came up with the natural law selection which summarized that; the changing environment determines the different adaptive measures by the species. Those that adapt well are successful in their reproduction, passing on the trait to their next generation. Those that do not adapt well their characters are not passed to any generation. This means that species are always changing and adapting. The main difference in the two sexes is clearly indicated by man’s ability to attain a higher eminence in whatever he undertakes than a woman (Kimmel & Holler 2000). Be it in thoughts, imaginations, reasoning or just the use of hands and senses.

According to this theory, biologically men and women are believed to be different since they have different reproductive anatomies as well as, different reproductive destinies (Kimmel & Holler 2000). This theory further explains further explains that both the females and males brain chemistries and structure differ too since there are different types of hormones circulating through them differently (Kimmel & Holler 2000). These factors, therefore, summarize the point of complete universal differences in the ways of interactions leading to male domination.

Different socialization

This theory gives an indication that humans are taught to be different by the society, and that is why men and women are different. Right from the point of birth, these two genders receive different treatment (Kimmel & Holler 2000). The different traits, behaviors, and attitudes are culturally defined to be either masculine or feminine. Otherwise, they are not born different as perceived but since the society has defined it, they are prone to believe, accept and live by this ideology.

How individuals “do gender” in interaction

Human lives are dependent on social interactions, for example, Frederick II of the Holy Roman Empire did the forbidden experiment with newborn babies, of which they were given basic care, but was not given parental care like lullabies, songs, and speeches. Eventually, they all died (Kimmel & Holler 2000). There are also other aspects where babies were raised by animals and later on became fearful, too suspicious of people, or could not live beyond the age of six with people. Alternatively, children who have insane parents who lock them in basements usually die young, and those that survive are literally damaged. With such an experiment and stories, it’s clear one needs to interact, be social in order to be part of society, and that biology alone does not determine one’s development as perceived (Kimmel & Holler 2000). Whilst other people find it easy and smoother to become adults. For others, it is extremely hard and a nightmare at the same time. Thus, they must try hard to please others or survive. The sociological perspective is responsible for specifying one’s experiences and interactions with others and shape who one is (Kimmel & Holler 2000). Therefore society and history are responsible for providing the context while the raw materials are provided by biology.

Conclusion

Whether biological determinism or different socialization ‘nature versus nurture.’  They both share a common interest, for example, they both love nature and nurture and agree on the differences between male and females, and that domination of gender is caused by the inevitable gender difference. Biologists believe that women are made more vulnerable and in need of protection during pregnancy, or men are made more adept hunters because they are masculine, or simply because they want to maximize their chances in order to pass for female domination.

The main difference in the two sexes is clearly indicated by man’s ability to attain a higher eminence in whatever he undertakes than a woman. Be it in thoughts, imaginations, reasoning or just the use of hands and senses.