Gender Equality Essay Example For Students

Gender Equality Essay Tyrone CloydBaltimore, MDGender equality has been a social concern since man step foot on earth. When we think of gender equality discrimination against women is what comes to mind, but in recent years psychologist and sociologist have began to study how men are discriminated against. It is considered general knowledge that men still make more money a year then women, and it is true that men hold most of the position of power in society. Recent studies have concluded that there is an aspect of society that discriminates against men. This aspect of society is deeply rooted in the American culture, and it is hard to name, to discuses, and to study. Gender roles for men, then are viewed not as biological givens, but as social constructions created from the expectations of social forces such as parents, teachers, peers, and the media about what constitute masculinity {(Pleck, 1995) Mahalik 1998}. Men are socialized to believe in the importance of success, power, and competitiveness. Beca use the male socialization experience is theorized to create negative feelings such as anxiety and shame related to all things feminine, the development of rigid traditional male roles, or male gender role conflict {(O’Neil, Helms, Gable, David, Wrightsman, 1986) Mahalik 1998}. Looking at male emotional socialization from the framework of the gender role strain paradigm, many boys are required to block their feelings and restrict the expression of their vulnerable and caring emotions {(Levant) Mahalik 1998}. Because of this, â€Å"a man experiences any particular facet of self that he considers feminine with great conflict and anxiety, because he believes it threatens his manhood† (Mahalik, Cournoyer, Defranc, Cherry, and Napolitano 1998). As a result of this fear of femininity, men are believed to over conform to traditional male roles as a coping strategy to avoid femininity {(Pleck, 1995) Mahalik 1998}. Men are taught to use their roles prescribed by society as a p sychological defense. When a man is confronted with an situation instead of dealing with the problem, men tend to fall back on the stereotypical masculine gender roles. Men hold their emotions inside and although they may not be immediately affected our health and well being suffers in the long run. The improper socialization of males in American society affects all demographics of society. It affects men across socio economic classes, and races and cultures. Improper socialization of males is an interesting topic to research and study because it affects the entire male population and it is going to take society as a whole working together to correct the problem. One way to began changing how males are socialized is to make the population aware of the psychological effects â€Å"gender role conflicts†. In mental health institutions, at hospitals, and colleges and universities there is an array of journals, pathlets, and articles written about how women are discriminated and socialized. With the new millennium approaching the effects of male socialization needs to be an equally important issue on the public policy agenda. More research needs to be done and published so that the message can spread throughout the country and the scholarly community. For background information two articles from the Journal of Counseling Psychology will be discus. The first, â€Å"Men’s Gender Role Conflict and Use of Psychological Defenses† by James R. Mahilik, Robert J. Cournoyer, William DeFranc, Marcus Cherry, and Jeffrey M. Napolitano examines the way males are socialized and the way that their socialization affects how they respond in anxious situations. Specifically, the researchers are trying to determine if there is a relationship between stereotypical macho male roles and psychological defense mechanisms. Macbeth - supernatural and spirits EssayReferenceFisher R., and Good G.(1998). Perception of parent child relationship and Masculine Role Conflict of College Men. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 45(3), 346-352. Mahalik R., Cournoyer R., DeFranc W., Cherry M., Napolitano J., (1998). Men’s Gender Role Conflict and Use of Psychological Defenses. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 45(3), 247-254Please complete this survey the answers will be used for a class project only. 1. How would feel if a good friend of yours passed away. a. I would cry, and be down for a several days. (0)b. I would control my emotions, and help the family (1)c. I would deal with it and move on (2)2. How would you react to the birth of your childa. ecstatic, but I did not cry (1)b. I cried with my wife (0)c. I thought about how much money it would cost (2)3. How would you react to a rejection letter from a joba. apply for another one (0)b. inquire about why (1)c. inquire about why, spend some days down (2)4. How do you feel about the Lewensky scandal a. I do not cheat (0)b. People are going to cheat at the work place (2)c. It was unfortunate but I do not see the big deal (1)5. How do you feel if your spouse or girlfriend comments on another mana. I am secure with myself (0)b. A little insure (1)c. I would plan my next trip to the gym (2)