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Dr. William Rouster's Theory Of Social Construction Of Gender

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Dr. William Rouster's Theory Of Social Construction Of Gender
Social Constructionists, advocates of the "Theory of Social Constructionism," are of the belief that all concepts or practices which may seem natural to humankind are in reality an invention of a particular culture or society (Wikipedia, Social Constructionism). These practices and beliefs are called social constructs, believed to be by-products of (often unintended or unwanted) decisions of an individual (Wikipedia, Social Construction). Meaning, an individual believes he is making a decision of his own accord when in actuality the choice was already made and given to him through the rules and laws of his society or societies. According to a paper on the subject of Social Constructionism written by Dr. William Rouster "Knowledge is not just …show more content…
According to the Department of Education, Training, and the Arts; we are sent messages daily of our correct role in society as depicted by our gender received at birth (Social Construction of Gender). The saying "Boys will be boys. Girls will be girls." shows the separation our society places on gender. It is "common knowledge" that the woman's place is in the kitchen as wife and mother, whereas a male is the man of the family, head of the household, always placed in a position of power. When the time comes to train for careers to support ourselves and our families, women are steered toward more nurturing and caring roles, such as teaching, nursing, or being a full-time-mother; while men are directed towards more competitive careers usually involving science, technology, business, or services to the …show more content…
Meaning in this environment most, or at least many, social constructs would be eliminated. Perhaps I have been living in the ideal environment of a social constructionist; for the most part this has been my experience in the world thus far. I do agree that the people surrounding an individual can and will influence his decision making, but the decisions are ultimately his to make. The truth is one must experience a number of different things to make the decision that will be best for him. Social Constructionism is near a complete truth in the beginning of an individual's life when he has little control of his experiences and the people surrounding him. Later in life it is the individual's choice to remain socially constructed or he may choose to step out of his socially constructed comfort zone and find a new one. He will decide to remain in his newly constructed "comfort zone", not matter what it may be, because he is where he wants to be, not because it is all he knows. Life is ultimately a series of trial and error until one finds his
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