Social Influences: Media, Gender And Identity

Social Influences. Social influences, such as mass media, religious and educational institutions, help enforce traditional gender roles initially taught in the family home (Stromberg & Harkess 137-45). In "Media, Gender And Identity: An Introduction," sociologist and media theorist David Gauntlett indicates that "Although women are more equally represented in media today, women are still less likely than men to be in a leading role. Women also continue to be portrayed as victims who are constantly needing to get saved by males" (83). Furthermore, systems of patriarchy are the central idea in most religious institutions, which teach that women are inferior as a group and that they have no rights beyond those granted by the male-dominated establishment
(Albee & Perry 153-54, Giele & Stebbins 29). Likewise, educational institutions reemphasize traditional gender roles, which contribute to why women do not pursue more challenging careers. In the YEAR Washington Post article "Why Our Brightest Female Graduates Are Still at a Disadvantage," author Debora Spar explains that although women may out number men in college in attendance and also surpass men in grades, women are still confused as to whether they are "supposed to be pretty or smart? Strong or sexy? Sassy or submissive?" So is it any surprise that this kind of Western socialization has had a damaging effect on women by limiting their options in the workplace? By confining women to these gender norms American society is in fact limiting the job options available to women and also preventing advancement opportunities for women in the workplace.