Gender Roles in Society Today - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1687 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/04/26 Category Sociology Essay Level High school Tags: Gender Roles Essay Did you like this example? From the time we are born, we are placed into two distinct categories: Boy or Girl. Not by choice, but by genetics and what some would consider fate and there is no in between, no blurred lines. With the society that we live in today, there is a solidified stereotype placed on both men and women. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Gender Roles in Society Today" essay for you Create order This stereotype is known as Gender Roles. Gender roles often known as a sex role is a social role encompassing a range of societal norms that dictate what type of behaviors are considered acceptable and appropriate based on ones perceived sex. From a young age, children can classify themselves by gender and have to ability to differentiate boy activities from girl activities. These gender specific stereotypes are something which we were taught even before our adolescent years, following us into our adult lives subconsciously dictating the world around us. In recent discussions of gender roles in our society, a controversial issue has been whether the stereotypes of feminine and masculine qualities determine who is the man and who is the woman in a relationship. More specifically in same-sex relationships. On the one hand, some argue that there is no issue with categorizing an individual into a gender category based on their qualities and or sex. From this perspective, this point of view is suppressive to the way gender roles have changed and adapted in our society today. On the other hand, however, others argue that the stereotypes surrounding the topic of gender roles have created inequalities in different aspects of peoples lives. In the words of Stephen Mays, a multi-media editor, wrote an article for an independent student-run newspaper in 2013 geared towards University of Georgia students writes What About Gender Roles in Same-Sex Relationships, one of this views main proponents, A gay man may show effeminate qualities, but that doesnt make him the woman of the relationship. Just like the muscled, bearded gay man doesnt have to be the man of the relationship. According to this view, qualities possessed by and individual does not determine the role they play in a relationship, or society. In sum, then, the issue is whether gender roles have created inequalities for both men and women, or are these stereotypes placed rightfully so. My own view is that there should not be certain qualities about an individual that determines whether they are more masculine or feminine. Though I concede that for years we have been taught through school and knowledge passed on to us, as to what activities and qualities are for men and women, I still maintain that these assumed roles place a strain on the constant progression towards equality today. For example, according to studies, increases have been shown for women who are obtaining more prominent careers, while fathers of families have taken on the role of staying home and assuming the primary caregiver position. Although some might object that there have been changes in the fairness between men and women in the workplace, I would reply that there is still progress that can be made regarding this topic. The issue is important because with the changes in our society, there also needs to be change of peoples perception of the roles of gender and what they mean and how one cannot be placed into a singular category based on their qualities. When it comes to homosexual relationships as opposed to heterosexual relationships, one might say that upon observing a heterosexual relationship that it is obvious to determine who is the male and female of the relationship. So how does this work for same-sex relationships? This question is directly aligned with the topic of gender roles. In a same-sex male relationships to be more specific, the relationship is composed of two men. However, outside observers have questioned who assumes which roles in their relationship without considering the bigger picture; why must there be an assumed role in the first place? This leads me to believe we have been taught that there must be an either or, not equal. Consider two men in a relationship; one that enjoys sports activities and works for a fortune 500 company, the other enjoys shopping and cooking. Most would assume that the man who cooks and enjoys shopping would be considered the woman of the relationship. This perspective in my opinion sets us back as an entire society for all that we have worked for toward progression in equality for all. Throughout history men and women have been charged with certain individual functions. However, the 21st century has been a shift in gender roles due to several changing factors such as new family structures and women furthering their education and obtaining higher positions in the labor force. I believe that gender role equality allows gender qualities to become more neutral and according to Donnalyn Pompper, a Professor and Endowed chair in Public Relations, School of Journalism communication, and the University of Oregon teaches courses and researches in social responsibility and social identity, claims that is the reason men no longer own breadwinning identities, and like women, their bodies are objectified in mass media images. This example extenuates the idea that the high-profile careers are no longer just for men and staying at home raising children is not something that is just for women. For example, Richard Dorment, senior editor at Wired magazine and Esquire magazine writes an essay in 2013 called Why Men Still Cant Have It All. He believes in similar values as Anne-Marie Slaughter, but from the perspective of men and fathers. Dorment expresses his disappointment in the stereotypical view in which we automatically see staying home and putting the care of your children first as more of a womens role. The author explains that he made the conscious decision to stay at home and take care of their children and household responsibilities, while this gave his wife to further pursue her desired job opportunities. He claims that based on this decision, others may view him as not living up to his manly expectations, which falls under the stereotype that men, and men only are the sole breadwinners in their household. He opposes this opinion others have of him. Mays explains that this puts men and fathers at a disadvantage, suggesting that men dont enjoy spending as much time with their families as women do. I believe Dorment makes a convincing argument that not only do women feel they cannot have it all, men also share the burden of feeling unsatisfied because of the stereotypes placed upon gender specific roles. Anne-Marie Slaughter, president and CEO of the New America Foundation, professor of Princeton University and Harvard Law School writes Why Women Still Cant Have It All. Through this article Slaughter explains that she has the successful career that shes spent most of her life working toward, yet she still feels a sense of something missing. Slaughter further justifies this feeling by explaining that the position she currently holds takes away from the time shes able to spend with her husband and two sons. She then makes the decisions to resign from her position to allow her the freedom to be more attentive to her home life, though it was frowned upon by colleagues considering that she was a woman in a career mainly dominated by men and that she should stay. This article presents the idea that gender roles are so predominant, that both men and women feel like they are not allowed the decision regarding their family and work dynamic that will ultimately satisfy them because of this ide a of gender roles that they must maintain. This reading, coaligned with others regarding this topic, both address the issues men and women face when it comes to fulfilling their roles according to the standard of society. Raynard Kington, president of Grinnell College in Iowa, former director at the National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention writes an article in 2013 aimed towards the general population. This was featured in the Washington Post titled Im Gay and African American. As a Dad, I Stille Have It Easier Than Working Moms. Through this article Kington refers to the time it was announced that he would become the 13th president of Grinnell College. As he was making his speech he was interrupted by his youngest son, during that moment Kington couldnt help but wonder upon receiving praise for exposing his fatherly side, that if a woman would have got the same reaction. Kington couldnt help but feel that even with all the societal norms of a gay, African American man, that he somehow still managed to equate to more than women in our society. Furthermore, Kington recalls back to 50 years ago when he could remember his mother quitting a job that she loved to rais e him and his four siblings. When Kington would ask why she quit something she loved, she explains that nurturing her children for success in the future was more important, this being a priority lead his mother to quit her job, allowing his father to continue working while she became a full-time mother. This article is important for my paper because it is another contributing argument that gender is a heavy determination on what choices are considered acceptable for men and women. It further proves that gender roles do more harm than good, and more often women are forced into making decisions that society expects of them rather than continuing to live a life that is fulfilling to them. In conclusion, the idea that a persons sex determines what role they play in the world and how their personal traits define them as a specific gender is completely irrelevant in our modern society today. With the progress we are making, gender roles are no longer necessary because both men and women can do the same necessary tasks therefor making gender specific behaviors and traits irrelevant. In the long run these stereotypes can be detrimental to an individuals development. The current stereotypes places on men and women could potentially condemn and oppress a person that does not fit into the traditional definition of gender roles.

Respiratory Essay - 1576 Words

Respiratory Disorders Management and Care Our respiratory system is like a battery in our car, without it we will not be able to generate the heart and the rest of our body. There is an old proverb that states, Life is in the breath. He who half breathes half lives. If you have allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems, this proverb may sound very familiar. But a greater understanding of your breathing problems, along with an accurate medical diagnosis and effective treatment, can help you regain control. It doesnt matter what type of breathing problem you have. Daily control is vital to living an active, productive life. There are many causes of breathing problems. Some people have difficulty breathing when they get a†¦show more content†¦Other allergy tests include: the scratch test, which involves breaking the skin and then dropping the specific allergen into the site,allergy blood tests (called a RAST or radioallergosorbent test),a challenge test, in which the doctor introduces tiny amounts of the suspected allergen by inhaled, oral, or other routes These tests are used less frequently than the prick technique. After performing allergy tests, your doctor may know whats triggering your breathing problems. Then the doctor will be able to treat your allergy symptoms more effectively. How Are Breathing Problems Treated? Substances that cause breathing problem are known as triggers. Avoidance of triggers is the No. 1 way to control allergies and asthma. As an example, wearing a dust mask when doing housework or yard work may cut down on your exposure to allergy triggers. Avoiding a furry pet, washing bed linens at least once a week, staying indoors during peak pollen times, and changing the filter on your air conditioner frequently may also help prevent serious problems if you have allergies. Medications are also important in treating breathing problems. Allergy drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants can make it easier to breathe for some people. These medications can be delivered orally or through inhalers. In addition, inhaled steroids may give relief to some with chronic allergies and sinusitis. These drugs work to reduce inflammation in the airways. Allergy shots areShow MoreRelatedRespiratory Systems And The Respiratory System855 Words   |  4 Pagesmy mouth and nose? Now, I know it is because of the respiratory system. The respiratory system is built up of the organs in our body that serve us to breathe. It offers the blood with oxygen in order for the blood to deliver oxygen to all parts of the physical structure. When we breathe, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases is the respiratory system s means of bringing oxygen to the blood (WebMD. Web). The respiratory system is included nasal cavity, mouth, trachea, bronchiRead More Respiratory Essay706 Words   |  3 Pages The Respiratory System The Respiratory System is made up of the nose, pharynx, larynx, bronchi, and lungs. The respiratory system is the system of the body that deals with breathing. When we breathe, the body takes in the oxygen that it needs and removes the carbon dioxide that it doesnt need. Throughout the Respiratory System, enjoy beautiful forests, plains, and wonderful weather. Function: Provides gas exchange, intake of O2 for delivery to body cells and elimination of CO2 produced by bodyRead MoreThe Respiratory System Of The Upper Respiratory Tract Essay1797 Words   |  8 Pages The respiratory system is divided into two main parts, the upper respiratory and lower respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract consists of the nasal cavity which is a hollow space behind the nose, it is lined with mucous membrane and small hairs, which traps smaller particles entering with the air, the nasal cavities main purpose is to heat, humidify and filter the air before it passes into the lungs (Whittemore and Cooley, 2009 ). The sinuses are hollow areas in the bones of the skull andRead MoreA Respiratory Therapist1375 Words   |  6 PagesThe average day of a respiratory therapist can be very stressful. When Melissa goes into work she never knows what â€Å"she maybe walking into,† it can be a code in the er to a newborn being born in nursery. This is what makes my job so interesting said melissa. Melissa attended college at the University of Indiana where she was born and raised. She decided to go to this college with a couple of her close high school friends. After she had graduated she moved to Illinois because her parents had movedRead MoreRespiratory System2621 Words   |  11 PagesAamp;P II Instructor: David Armoogam September 10, 2010 The respiratory system helps with breathing, inhaling and exhaling. The respiratory systems main function is to give oxygen to the body’s cells and get rid of the carbon dioxide the cells produce. Breathing would be impossible without the respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, voice box, windpipe, and lungs. In this essay I plan on explaining how the respiratory system functions as well as its parts. The exchange of two gasesRead MoreThe Function Of Respiratory System845 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to Melinda (2014), the function of respiratory system is to supply oxygen into the body, by breathing in, and to remove carbon dioxide which is the waste, from the body, by breathing out. Franklin (2014), outlines that oxygen is most needed in the body, in order to live. This is because every cell in the body needs oxygen, in order to function properly. Also, oxygen is required in the blood in order to covert food into energy. Beside, Melinda (2014), clarifies that these movements areRead MoreFunctions Of The Respiratory System860 Words   |  4 PagesFunctions of the Respiratory System Introduction The main purpose of the respiratory system is to exchange oxygen and carbon monoxide between the body and the environment. Throughout the body are specific organs and structures that make the respiratory system possible. In humans, respiration takes place in the lungs. In the article by Kim Ann Zimmermann, Respiratory System: Facts, Function, and Diseases she explains how the series of organs in a person s body work together to exchange theRead More The Respiratory System Essay1538 Words   |  7 PagesThe respiratory system is a complex organ structure of the human body anatomy, and the primary purpose of this system is to supply the blood with oxygen in order for the blood vessels to carry the precious gaseous element to all parts of the body to accomplish cell respiration. The respiratory system completes this important function of breathing throughout inspiration. In the breathing process inhaling oxygen is essential for cells to metabolize nutrients and carry out some other tasks, but it mustRead MoreEssay on Respiratory Therapy1302 Words   |  6 PagesFuture of Respiratory Therapy By entering the field of respiratory therapy, one is entering a growing field of opportunity. There are continually emergent job opportunities in this field whereas there is also a rise of growth in the technology and developments in the field such as medicines, techniques, and other aspects. Respiratory therapy refers to both a subject area within clinical medicine and to a distinct health care profession. During the 20th century, there were many health care fundamentalRead MoreEssay on The Respiratory System1072 Words   |  5 Pageswonder how our body inhales oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. This is possible because of the respiratory system. This system in the body is what allows us to breathe and continue our lives. An average human breathes fifty million times in their lifetime! The structure affects the function of this intricate and wonderful system that keep us alive. It all starts from the nose. The basic parts of the respiratory system are the lungs, nose, trachea, diaphragm and alveoli. When we inhale, the diaphragm

Gun Control Legislation Essay Example For Students

Gun Control Legislation Essay The Politics of Gun Control LegislationThe recent violent phenomenon of tragic shootings such as the incident at Columbine high school in which 13 students and one teacher were killed and 23 other people were wounded has captured the attention of both the public and politicians alike and has stirred a need to take action. With shootings in Littleton, Colorado followed by Conyers, Georgia and yet another in Gibson, Oklahoma, gun control has become a pressing issue in congress. However while politicians use these incidents to maneuver their anti-gun legislation, public opinion and partisan support remains highly polarized. In addition, the fierce debate over gun restrictions are confronted with nearly 8o million gun owners in America and a federal guarantee by the Constitution to bear arms. Gun Control as a partisan issue is complex. While anti-gunners typically are liberal and democratic, Democrats in Congress do not always support new gun legislation and instead vote against it quietly. It is also a notable fact that Congressmens opinions on gun control vary according to their electorate. For example, Jolene Unsoeled, a liberal Democrat from Olympia narrowly won her district by championing the NRA. Aside from the contributions the NRA provided to her election, she was able to entice enough swing voters away from her highly conservative challenger. Due to the recent school shooting a new group of swing voters who may change the prospective support for pro-gunners has emerged and they are the soccer moms, professional middle class women who have also significantly influenced the gender gap. Senator Charles Chumar (D-New York), considered to be one of the Senates leading gun control advocates, states that Democrats are secretly as eager as the other side to delay action on gun control legislation . . . (Birnbuam, 7). It is also the case that the Republican Congress successfully stalls much of the gun control legislation with the help of a suppressing number of Democratic gun control opponents. Currently, three quarters of the House Republicans vote the NRA way and another 50 or so Democratic NRA loyalists have the ability to kill a gun control bill. Democrats like Bart Stupak (D-MI) believe in the American tradition of owning guns. Similarly, constituencies to the south and mid-west seem to be more supportive of gun ownership and sportsmanship, regardless of their opinions on other issues. Representative David Obey from Wisconsins dear country demonstrates this contradiction in beliefs by being both a card holding NRA member and a Democrat. Many democrats acknowledge that they may very well lose their seat entirely if they were to support gun control but vote right down the democratic line on everything else. There are also many interest groups lob bying Congress on the issue of gun control. Hand Gun Control Inc. has nearly 430,000 members nationwide and is the largest gun control group lobbying Congress.Led by Sarah Brady, wife of Jim Brady, Handgun Control has recruited trial lawyers to sue gun manufacturers as they make little progress in Congress. They are also continually trying to raise more money for their anemic PAC (Richie, p.2) which barely raises 2 million dollars per election cycle. The American Bar Association also supports certain gun control regulation especially the enactment of measures to prevent easy access to firearms via unregulated sales. Other Senate provisions backed by the ABA would prohibit minors possession of military assault weapons, ban imports of high capacity ammunition clips, and child safety locks.However neither of these groups are as influential or as well financed as the NRA. The NRA is perhaps the prevailing force in the gun control debate. The NRA has over three million dedicated members and an annual budget of $137 million. These statistics make the NRA one of the nations largest and wealthiest cause-oriented groups (Birnbaum, 212). The NRA is able to rally support when the right to bear arms is under attack. In 1999, perhaps the worst year in memory for mass shootings, the NRA tied for number 2 in FORTUNES Power 25 survey of clout in the capital, its highest rank ever (Birnbaum, 212). The NRA also has a well-earned reputation of being able to make the difference between victory and defeat in marginal districts throughout U.S. And despite the spree of killings that has occurred, has not lost its influence or support. Although some lawmakers are compelled by events to create gun-control legislation, the incessant lobbying of the NRA often keeps away the necessary support. Because so few citizens vote the NRA is considered very powerful by being able to attract a couple thousand voters for a candidate in an election. In 1998, the NRA spent $150,000 for pro-gun Senator Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky) and mobilized support for him which enabled him to win by just 6,766 votes.President Clinton even went so far as to proclaim the NRA is the reason the Republicans control the House (Birnbaum, 214). Personal Success, Seizures, Depression and Suicide EssayA good example of how pervasive the gun control issue can be is the election of Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) who took a dramatic stand on gun control. She is considered to be a single-issue candidate. In 1993, McCarthys husband was gunned down and her son paralyzed by the Long Island Rail Road gunman Collin Ferguson. Enraged by this tragedy and Representative Dan Frisas () vote to repeal the assault weapons ban, she was able to raise over $600,000 for her campaign and defeat her opponent. Formerly, McCarthy had no political experience aside from the PTA and was a republican. Amazingly though, this one issue carried enough weight to win her the election. McCarthy received national attention for criticizing corporations for being the secret beneficiaries of gun violence in America and strongly attacks the NRA on such premises. Lastly there is a question as to whether or not all these recent tragedies have even effected public opinion at all giving impetus to the politicians actions. A Gallup Poll in 1999 found that 66 percent of people wanted to see stricter gun control and 25 percent saying no change is needed. In a 1991 Gallup Poll it was 68 percent to 25 percent, which is hardly different at all. It would appear that these recent issues are so important that our representatives are making up their own minds to pursue gun control issues and acting as trustees on the citizens behalf. As McMillion states politicians are clearly voting based on values and motivations other than simple poll results (106). However, it also seems apparent that when confronted with the possibility of losing financial backing or votes, gun control advocates quickly slow their momentum. In conclusion, the process of creating new gun control legislation is a slow moving and complicated process with which Congressmen must take many things into consideration. It is a contradictory issue comprised of people with very different motivations. People long for solutions that would prevent such tragedies as the Columbine and Oklahoma shootings, but at the same time gun control proponents exploit these shootings to gain support for their issues. It is the opinion of LaPierre that these kinds of circumstances cant actually be addressed by legislation and that vigorous prosecution of criminals is what is needed (Birnbuam, 216). On the other hand, it is also a well-founded argument that stricter regulation of handguns may actually result in lower frequencies of guns ending up in criminal hands. However, it is also apparent that the politics involved in gun control are not as clear cut as simply wanting to stop crime, ban all handguns, or the right to own a gun. Gun legislation is about conflicts in peoples culture and way of life. The dilemma is indicative of the vast variety of opinions that our legislators represent. Bibliography:Works CitedBirnbuam, Jefferey. Under the Gun. Fortune 6 DEC. 1999: 211. Kopel, David B. What if We Had Taken Columbine Seriously? The Weekly Standard 1 MAY 2000: 20. Landau, Elaine. Armed America: The Status of Gun Control. NJ: Prentice Hall, 1990. McMillion, Rhonda. Targeting Gun Control Again. ABA Journal 1 MAR. 2000: 104. Richie, Rob and Steven Hill. Guns, Voters, and Money. Tribune News Service 28 MAY 1999: pk7552. Shapiro, Bruce. Running Against the Gun. The Nation 11 NOV 1996: 15. OMeara, Kelly Patricia. Is Gun Control Just About Guns. Insight on the News 3 JAN 2000: 22. VandeHei, Jim. On the Hill: Guns n Poses. The New Rebublic 28 JUNE 1999: 15. Witt, G. Evans. Guns and Politicians. American Demographics 1 JULY 1999www.nra.orgwww.tbhonline.com