The term gender entrapment was coined by Beth Richie in the explanation of black beaten woman’s interplay of devotion and racial distinctiveness, especially in the United States’ prisons. In this case, gender entrapment assisted black women to live in a relationship where violence thrived. As a result of this; the black women’s devotion hindered them from discussing their experiences in public, as they thought that doing so would upset the entire community resulting in their lack of protection and effective counseling. Based on this, the women had difficulties in selecting what was most excellent for themselves, their males, and the whole society. It can be argued that black women got totally nothing even after devoting themselves to their race. In support of this, Ritchie stated that imprisoned women faced a lot of trouble in trying to re-join their own community since they were seen as delinquents. In other words, when a black woman is released from jail she has not received the same way a man would be; by the community. In this case, Richie found that bodily attacks, emotional degradations, disadvantaged financial statuses, and explicit racial discrimination contributed to desperation among black women. Based on this, Richie found that women’s deviant conduct was contributed to; their acknowledgment and strong obligation to hegemonic sexual category, ethnic prospects, and the wish to maintain authenticated; as well as retain a socially acknowledged way of life (Richie, 1995).
On the other hand, Steffenmeier and Allan indicated that both males and females engaged themselves in negligible offenses and drug use than in major crimes like murder and robbery. Contrary to Ritchie’s statements, Steffen and Allan said that men are highly rated in offending than women except in prostitution; although the gap was wider in major crimes than in minor ones. In this case, from information drawn from the ‘FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports’ in 1995; women mostly arrested were in connection of minor property crime like deception, drug abuse and prostitution (Steffensmeier & Allan, 1996).
It can be argued that Steffen’s theory agrees with Ritchie’s; since it also indicates that increased crime among women was a result of increased economic susceptibility, persecution, role entrapment, and survival needs. In this case, situational strains including the peril of losing a value affiliation pushed women to crimes. Based on Steffenmeier’s gendered theory, women were inhibited from crime while men were encouraged into it through gender norms. In this case, women’s role responsibility, assumption of the female nurturance and their beauty prospects as well as sexual effectiveness; were the central concerns that held back women’s involvement in the crime. Contrary to Ritchie’s theory, women according to Steffenmeier and Allan’s theory were highly rewarded for building and sustaining a relationship as well as nurturing a family. In this case, it was evident that females’ distinctiveness was a result of the males’ in their lives (Steffensmeier, 1977).
Further, social control was a powerful constraint to the women’s willingness and capability to involve themselves in crime. This is the case because their conduct was supervised especially during their influential years and in the case of any misconduct; they faced pessimistic sanctioning. Still, on the same point, it can be argued that women were the least to be engaged in crime because of their concern for others. Based on this, women might fear their disjointing from the rest of the family and society members especially when imprisoned. It can also be argued that; women from their early ages were socialized to be responsive to the concerns of others and to be good wives and mothers (Lorber, 2005) (Rothenberg, 2003).
In their gendered approach, Steffenmeier and Allan criticized negatively Ritchie’s theory as their arguments were that; if females engage themselves in politics and ‘high-level finance’ among other opportunities, they would be involved in offenses such as price-fixing, corruption, and bribery among others. Based on this, it can be seen that women do not get involved in crimes because of the lack of opportunities, as a provision for them would lead to their involvement in white-collar crime (Steffenmeier & Allan, 1996).
Basing on these ideas, Ritchie’s thesis in her study was that women’s law-breaking conduct was not comprised by their refusal of customary gender and racial roles. As a result, she argued that it is an acknowledgment and strong obligation to hegemonic gender and ethnic prospects; and they wish to sustain a socially authenticated way of life. Based on this, the gendered approach could be built on the key elements of gender norms and social control. In this case, women had their own unique roles in the society which according to the gendered approach; inhibited them from criminal involvements. In addition, women were expected to have sensitivity to others’ needs and at the same time be good wives and mothers; hence resulting from these expectations, were hindered from criminal acts (Lorber, 2005) (Rothenberg, 2003).
In conclusion, Ritchie’s study showed that more black women than white ones were involved in crime because of racism and traditional affiliation. On the other hand, her theory helps in building key elements of the gendered approach of Steffenmeier and Allan.
Reference list
Gabbidon, S. (2005). Race and Crime, First Edition. London: Sage Publications.
Lorber, J. (2005). Gender Inequality: Feminist Theories and Politics, Third Edition. Los Angles: Roxbury Publishing Company.
Richie, B. (1995). Compelled to Crime: The Gender Entrapment of Battered, Black Women, First Edition. New York: Routledge Publishers.
Rothenberg, P. (2003). Race, Class and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study, Sixth Edition. New York: Worth Publishers.
Steffensmeier, D. (1977). “Sex Differences in Patterns of Adult Crime: A Review and Assessment.” Social Forces 58: 1080-1108.
Steffensmeier, D. & Allan, E. (1996). Gender and Crime: Toward a Gendered Theory of Female Offending.” Annual review of sociology 22: 459-487.
According to the book by Drucilla (1998), Feminism is a term that has been widely described in different ways and by different people. It refers to the aspect of different beliefs put across by people as far as gender equality is concerned and its importance. This goes further to dismiss the fact that the hierarchy of gender is just but a social perception. The concept of feminism has brought a great change in the area of human being lifestyle.
This is because the feminist has continuously staged their consents as far as the rights of women are concerned in terms of social, political, health, economic and legal rights. Socially, issues such as the right to inherit property have been discussed. Legally, the rights to cast a vote, own property, and get a contract. Healthwise the issues of reproductive health as far as abortion is concerned to have been tackled. Economically, issues of discrimination in the workplace, maternity leave, and reception in the workplace have been accounted for.
In the study by Humm (1992), the process of Feminism has been through three main stages namely the first wave, the second wave, and the third wave. During the first wave, which took place in the U.K and the US around the early 20th century, issues of right for the women to contracts, property ownership, and possessiveness of women and children by their husbands was dealt with. Further, issues of sexual violence, economic rights, right to political power, and right to vote were dealt with.
The second wave which was in 1960 on the other hand, focused on the issue of social inequality and more of their political rights since that was important as far as individual woman’s life is concerned. The social belief that women can only and only find their fulfillment in homemaking and bearing children was discussed in depth. Finally, the third wave which took place in 1990 was a reaction against much of what was done in the second wave
Postfeminism
Postfeminism is a term that describes a wide range of arguments against the issue of feminism. As far as post-feminism is concerned the goals of the first wave were achieved but a lot has been criticized as far the second and the third ones are concerned. A lot of critical ideas have been suggested which were focused on exposing the challenges of the ideas brought forth in the second wave. Arguments have gone to an extent of claiming that feminism in the current society is completely invalid.
Much of the work done by the post-feminists argues that the agenda of feminism is separating the people of opposite sexes instead of reuniting them. Most of the claims alleged by the feminist were dismissed in the sense that they lacked evidence. It was claimed that most of the issues dealt with in feminism were just of self-interest. However, McRobbie (2009), argues that post-feminism simply undermines the efforts done by the feminist in as far as the issue of attaining equality is concerned. McRobbie (2009) further gives an example of post-feminism like media products by feminists like the famous TV program called sex & the city.
Post-feminism concerning gender, power, and identity
According to Whelehan (2000), the feminist in the year 1970s was focused on achieving women’s freedom from struggles like reproductive health, sexual rights, and inequality as far as the workplace is concerned. However, as the era of post-feminism came into being, the issue of empowerment came into place. There came a need for the females to get empowered to be able to make their own decisions like the choice of clothes to wear or buy and also the kind of food to cook. These were found to be rather much important even more than the right of a woman to vote. Emphasizes the issue of women being more proud of themselves, Bold enough to air their thoughts or grievances, independent and free from any form of oppression were dealt with.
Joanne (2000) argues that women’s issues of independent decision making like choosing who to socialize with, the ability to care for the children on their own, making choices on the products one opts to buy were part of what the post-feminists fought for. Empowerment was expressed in form of mead adverts. For example, products for women to use are widely being advertised. This enables them to freely and in their own free will choose what to purchase and use without interference by any man.
However, in most cases, this kind of empowerment has been criticized in the sense that it has been differently understood. Most post-feminist argue that such matters like the ones discussed above are not all ways in which a woman can be said to be empowered. In other words, it is such a cheap way of showing independence in the woman. For example; a woman who has so many types of shoes does not mean she is more empowered.
However, further critics have been given on the issues of for example a woman wearing some very high-heeled shoes to show how confident she is. Some people have gone further and misinterpreted the whole idea in that it is a sign of sexual promiscuity. To add strength to such argument, many have criticized the idea of a woman being so uncomfortable in such shoes to achieve sexual attractions at the expense of her freedom to move freely and comfortably.
According to Gill (2006), advertisement has been considered a good form of achieving gender equality as far as sexual issues are concerned. For example, some of the websites today and magazines have a column where women are invited to air their views as far as the issue of sexual gratification is concerned. Though women feel that through such opportunities their equality in conjugal rights is very well catered for, some other people feel that that is just a form of getting the magazine to be sold.
Also, since not many can air their views through such means, some people argue that an article bearing such an issue which has also attracted so many men to participate gives an implication that women are just sexual objects for men.
It has been noted by Gill (2006) that the emergence of some media products like pornography has been highly criticized in the sense that such can not be a form or a way for a woman to express her freedom to make decisions on what to do and not to do. The basis of this argument is in the aspect of moral values. Many people feel that the art and secrets of the act of sex are no longer a secret to anyone anymore because these pornographic materials are even open to children for viewing.
Financial freedom in women has also been a negative target by many. This is because a lot of products are being produced to catch the attention of women. The issue of commodity feminism whereby products are being packaged in a way that attracts women is another strategy of misusing their financial and choice freedom. This is a form of taking advantage of a woman’s naivety.
In the book Gill (2006) the issue of female bodies being represented structurally has been questioned as far as feminism is concerned. Many adverts showing a wide range of women products have been a victim of this. This is because some women are using this form of adverts to form their identities. For instance, the use of a smooth faces woman structure in contrast to a rough-skinned woman structure has caused some identity crises in women. Also, the use of a fat woman’s body structure against a slim woman’s body structure has caused some identity crises. All this has led to some social classes in women and a lack of confidence in some women.
The use of women naked and tattooed bodies in the advertisement have misinterpreted the meaning of feminism. This is because a woman’s body is now being referred to as a property rather than a psychological or even a social structure. The woman’s body is now being referred to as a sexy body which is a form of identification. In such cases, the woman’s body is not only assumed as a man’s gaze since they are no longer represented as passive objects.
Such figures like midriff, where women are being represented in their active form hence appearing as sexual desiring subjects, are giving women the wrong identity. They are believed in doing that one is showing a sense of confidence. Also, others are being used to represent beauty in women. Some other representations are drawing a picture of a world where for one to be called beautiful a great price has to be paid in terms of time, finances, and pain. Moreover, these midriff adverts give the impression of women’s potentiality being coined in their beauty.
According to Gill (2002), representations in the form of a midriff have led to a state called power shift. The fact that a woman’s image is no longer being represented as a passive structure but an active being like in the case of pornography has painted a picture of oppression on the side of women. This is because women are no longer being sex objected but now they are sex subjected. The issue of objecting to a woman in sexual representation was abated understandable to be a violation of rights since it was done without consent. However, the issues of subjecting women to sexual activities like pornography with their consent have been greatly criticized. It is no longer referred to as oppression but it is now a disciplinary regulation.
Driscoll (2002) found that some other forms of midriff adverts too have been criticized. For instance, a woman represented in a car looking as revengeful as an advert for a new model of a car. This brings a very wrong impression of a woman. In that, it means the woman did not go for the car because of her financial empowerment but rather for revenge on her sexual partner. Therefore, some other imagery representations of women’s empowerment are very detrimental to men. Also, this paints a woman as generally a very nasty and cruel being to the rest of the world. Also, such forms of feminist representation are drawing a picture of how different men are from women. The aspect of competition between the two genders is brought out through such.
Conclusion
Berger (2001) concluded that Gender, identity, and power have been highly criticized as far as feminism is concerned. It should be noted that not always that the state of fighting for feminism will result in the achievement of gender identity, power equality, and female identity as post-feminism has shown. In an actual sense some means of acquiring or showing the acquisition of that, have caused more harm to women than before. Media for instance has contributed to such as shown above.
Therefore, post-feminism is a very crucial means of trying to achieve positive feminism whereby as much as women seek equality it is important to look at the consequences of the whole issue as far as their identity is concerned. Also, a form of feminism that is very much aware of the media agendas as far as the fight for political rights, identity, and empowerment are concerned must be applied. So post-feminism is a form of awakening-call in as far as media, products production, and packaging are concerned regarding the gender mainstreaming process.
References
Berger, W. (2001) Advertising today. Routledge, London.
Driscoll, C. (2002) Girls: Feminine adolescence in popular culture and cultural theory. Columbia University Press, New York.
Drucilla, C. (1998) At the heart of freedom: feminism, sex, and equality. Colombia university press, Colombia.
Gill, R. (2006) Advertising and post feminism. Polity press, Cambridge.
Humm, M. (1992) Modern feminisms: political, literary, cultural. Columbia University Press, New York.
Joanne H. (2000) Feminism, femininity and popular culture. Manchester University Press, Manchester.
McRobbie, A. (2009) Post-feminism and popular culture. University of oxford press, London.
Whelehan, I. (2000) Overloaded: Popular culture and the future of feminism. The Women’s Press Ltd, London.
Individuals’ understanding of gender has shifted significantly over the years with more people conforming to the fact that the term should not be limited to referring to men and women. People born with unisex genitalia and transgender individuals are not uncommon in society but the voices of these individuals are often subdued by strongly held cultures of what gender should constitute. The documentary Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric, shares the touching stories of individuals with unique gender differences and identities. Although some of these individuals exist in supportive environments, most of them live a life they do not resonate with because of being pre-assigned to a particular gender at birth and being taken through life-changing surgeries without their consent. Therefore, the following essay describes the adverse implications of corrective surgical practices and why they are ethically unacceptable.
Activism and the struggle for self-determination when discussing sex and gender issues are often biased toward lesbian and gay individuals. However, transgender and unisex people experience worse atrocities, often swept under the rug because of limited support to fight for their case (Mackay 15). Many transgender individuals have gone through gender assignment surgeries, often performed a few months after birth without their consent, only to find out later after experiencing severe gender identity issues. These procedures are inappropriate and not medically necessary, meaning that they infringe on individuals’ autonomy and self-determination by limiting their decision-making (Bizic et al. 2). Thus, these operations are unethical and should be abolished to ensure that all individuals enjoy equal rights regardless of their gender attributes or identity.
Several ethical questions are raised about the autonomy of children in making decisions about their gender at birth. Although there are minimal risks associated with being born with two sexual organs, most medical practitioners give parents a limited timeframe to decide whether to carry out gender assignment surgeries on newborns. Nevertheless, the process of gender assignment does not end with the surgical process as a patient requires occasional hormonal treatments and gender reaffirmation techniques to enable them to develop the traits of their assigned gender. However, the results of these procedures are not always in the best interest of victims as they are exposed to gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a situation that describes the discomfort individuals experience due to a mismatch of their gender identity and biological sex (Bizic et al. 2). On most occasions, the heightened sense of dissatisfaction with life results in extreme adversities. These individuals suffer from aggravated stress, anxiety, and depression, which have destructive implications on their lives.
Gender assignment surgery (GAS) is also against the ethical principles that medical practitioners and caregivers are obligated to respect for the highest possible quality of care and the best outcomes. For example, GAS is against the standards of non-maleficence, and beneficence as it does not accord these surgeries the sensitivity they deserve (Levine 22). Gender dystopia arises when an individual is not comfortable with their reality due to unaligned hopes, dreams, and expectations. As a result, GAS is contrary to the expectations of non-maleficence as it does not promise the best outcomes. In addition, medical practitioners are advised to carry out invasive procedures only when necessary and avoid harming individuals mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally by always doing what is good (Levine 36). Nevertheless, GAS does not conform to the tenets of this principle as it exposes individuals to irreversible health risks because the procedure is done on healthy organs that do not require any treatments. Thus, the high risks associated with the operation and its potential outcomes disqualify it as a moral action (Bizic et al. 5). Hence, it is critical to establish strict practice guidelines against such surgeries as they do not constitute improving the health and well-being of individuals.
The issue of gender identity and sexual preference are often addressed interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. This essay focused on the ethical questions raised by Katie Couric in her documentary on the gender revolution and the most recent developments in the gender and sexuality debate. A principal point of concern is the limited choice accorded to unisex individuals at birth due to their visible sexual traits. Gender assignment surgery is a prioritized solution in cases where children are born with both organs and deformed genitalia. However, the operation is against the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and informed consent because it does not consider the individual’s interests, the best outcomes, safety, and the complications a patient might experience throughout their lives due to the surgery. Gender dystopia is one of the associated reparations, often resulting in stress, depression, and poor life quality. Thus, it is crucial to pay more attention to the cases of unisex children and ensure that parents and caregivers are not coerced into making the decision about gender and sex for their children. In a broader sense, no one should be given this responsibility except for the individuals themselves because of the potential harm, its ethical aspects, and the irreversible nature of the surgery.
Race and gender are intrinsic traits of society and should not be considered either strictly biological or solely socially constructed. Both race and gender, or biological sex, have well-defined biological manifestations. Women differ from men in many physical aspects, while members of different races have their own unique physical characteristics. Thus, it can be argued that sex and race stem from biology. However, as most people in the world live in communities and belong to broader society, these notions also accumulate socially constructed characteristics. Throughout the centuries, the view on women and their place in society changed significantly in most countries. However, in some Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, women are still viewed as the property of their families and are not allowed some freedoms that men have (Lacey, 2011). This attitude towards women should not be viewed as strictly biological or strictly social but rather a combination of two. The culture and the religious influences condition this behavior, but biology also plays a substantial role.
Considering prompt B, I believe the long-term employee does not have a valid point in claiming that their Mediterranean ancestry and natural biological impulses prevent them from trying to court the new employee. I agree that their age, biology, and culture have contributed to a specific worldview being formed. However, society also constructs certain rules that people should observe. The freedom of one person ends, where the liberty of another begins. I would argue that the long-term employee infringes on the freedom of the new person in the company. Their heritage should not be used as an excuse for unacceptable behavior. Furthermore, a workplace is not an appropriate place for courting, and such unwarranted attention can prevent the new employee from performing their best. I would argue that with this excuse, the long-term worker disregards the socially constructed rules of the country and their place of employment.
A rights-based approach to development is an approach aimed at realizing human rights or the rights “that every human being possesses and is entitled to enjoy simply by human beings” (Understanding Gender Concepts 29). It serves as a conceptual framework the aim of which is to protect and promote human rights by international human rights standards based on four main principles. The first is equality and equity, the second is empowerment, the third is accountability, and the last is participation. In addition to this, a rights-based approach to development also focuses on the non-discrimination of vulnerable groups. Within this approach, “human rights can be the means, the ends, the mechanism of evaluation, and the central focus of sustainable human development” (“A Rights-Based Approach to Development” 1).
A treaty body is a concept related to the implementation of human rights treaties. It is used to denote a committee that consists of several independent experts who monitor and control the ways the States parties implement the human rights treaties. A government that is a part of a particular treaty is obliged to report to a definite treaty body about its compliance with its obligations under this treaty; these reports to treaty bodies contain measures that the government has taken to comply with its obligations, as well as the difficulties that it faced at this. Apart from this, treaty bodies “also get information from NGOs, often in the form of “shadow report”, which they can use in questioning the official government report” (Understanding Gender Concepts, p. 32).
Gender mainstreaming is a specific public policy aimed at the elimination of gender inequality. This concept, however, is applied not only in the cases of discrimination against women. Instead, gender mainstreaming is a strategy directed at ensuring both the genders with equal rights and opportunities, thus, focusing on the programs, policies, and actions implemented in different spheres and areas (political, economical, societal, etc) and monitoring their proper implementation. In other words, this is a gender perspective that brings to light “the social relations between women and men in all aspects of socio-economic activities and within social and institutional structures” (Understanding Gender Concepts, p.12). It ensures gender equality and, therefore, encourages growth and reduces poverty in society (Buvinic and King para. 6).
Gender analysis is a process of examining differences that exist in the lives of men and women to identify social and economic gender-based inequalities in their roles, as well as of defining causes of such inequalities, and contributing to corresponding policy development, thus, ensuring positive changes for women. In addition to this, gender analysis deals with the planned interventions and the implications that they have; with regards to this, its purpose is to ensure understanding of these implications within different contexts (economic, political, social, etc) and evaluate the resources that the implementation of the planned interventions requires.
International Human Rights Framework Evolution
The evolution of the International Human Rights Framework began with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) that proclaimed human rights as “universal, inalienable, and indivisible” (Understanding Gender Concepts, p. 30). This was followed by the establishment of the Commission on Human Rights. In the following decade, two important human rights treaties have been adopted, namely, “The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights” (Understanding Gender Concepts, p.31). A definite number of countries had to sign these for them to take effect, which was achieved during the third decade in 1976. In the decade that followed this, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) took effect (1981), after which a World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna was held by the UN in the last decade in 1993.
All these stages of development had certain implications for the UN member states. For instance, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted in 1948 obligated all the UN member states to uphold certain standards that it set. Moreover, after signing the two covenants, the UN member states acknowledged women’s rights and liberties, as well as took responsibility to protect them from different forms of discrimination (Understanding Gender Concepts, p.31). This contributed greatly to the emancipation of women in these countries, and, consequently, gender equality. In addition, by signing the treaties, the UN member states obliged themselves to follow the laws and provisions of these treaties, which contributed to the development of the human rights law content in these countries and the adoption of new laws protecting human rights and ensuring gender equality.
Numerous examples are proving that these events have tangibly affected gender equality in several world countries. Judging from my own experience, I can state that there is hardly a position in the modern world that is gender-dependent. When searching for a job, I was offered the most unexpected vacancies, which proved to me that gender equality was present in society. These days, males can work as cooks, models, and even babysitters, while women can occupy the positions of engineers, programmers, and police officers. Women can obtain education in any of the world universities, irrespective of how technical their orientation is. Moreover, women can take upon themselves the role of the head of the family who supports it financially, whereas men can raise children. This proves that the evolution of human rights has strongly affected gender equality.
CEDAW Recommendations
Recommendation 24 of CEDAW has been adopted to explain to the Committee Article 12 of this convention. This article deals with women’s rights to health and their reproductive rights. Concerning it, gender equality should be ensured in the sphere of health care granting men and women equal access to medical services; besides, women are to be ensured with “appropriate services in connection with pregnancy, confinement and the post-natal period, granting free services where necessary, as well as adequate nutrition during pregnancy and lactation” (Understanding Gender Concepts, p.41). Therefore, general Recommendation 24 of CEDAW became especially important for those involved in a reproductive health area.
This and several other Recommendations of CEDAW covered important issues of reproductive health. For instance, Recommendation 24 obligated the governments to “remove punitive measures imposed on women who undergo abortion” (Understanding Gender Concepts, p.42). Owing to other Recommendations of CEDAW, women got access to numerous reproductive health services. Some of the brightest examples are family planning that allows preventing unwanted pregnancy and artificial insemination that allows women with certain reproduction problems to have children. One more way in which these recommendations relate to RH issues is the possibility of women learning more about childbirth, care, rearing, etc. Several hospitals currently offer free-of-charge courses for future mothers, as well as specialist consultations and recommendations for those who have AIDS or got AIDS during pregnancy. Thus, CEDAW made RH an inalienable human right.
10 Key Questions Tool in Gender Analysis
The use of the 10 Key Questions Tool in gender analysis has long been underestimated. Nevertheless, the application of this tool for namely this type of analysis is more than useful. Its greatest benefit is that it allows carrying out gender analysis at two levels: policy level and family level. In any of these cases, the 10 Key Questions Tool allows identifying important indicators that should be used to measure progress when performing a gender analysis of a definite problem, stating dimensions in a gender-sensitive way, as well as measuring these dimensions in a gender-sensitive way.
Thus, for example, when carrying out a gender-sensitive analysis of the problem of unwanted pregnancy in a certain country, this tool allows analyzing the situation and identifying the causes of the problem, which will further help to identify “goal, purpose, outputs, and activities for this problem” (Using Gender Analysis and Indicators, p. 33). This will allow working out solutions to the existing problem within each family that faces it. At the same time, this will require certain policies to be outlined and implemented (for instance, modifying family planning protocols and providing additional family planning services for the population) and certain activities to be done to make these policies effective. In this way, this tool can be successfully used for conducting gender-sensitive analysis at family and policy levels.
Works Cited
“A Rights-Based Approach to Development.” Women’s Rights and Economic Change 1 (2002): 1-8.
“Smart Economics.” Finance and Development 44.2 (2007).
Understanding Gender Concepts. Geneva: United Nations Population Fund, 2003.
Using Gender Analysis and Indicators. Geneva: United Nations Population Fund, 2003.
My cousin recently applied for a job at a construction company where she met all the qualifications. She presented an undergraduate degree and master’s degree in the same field, and she had worked in the required industry for a significant amount of time. She was disappointed when she did not get the job but shocked when the position was given to a man who had fewer years of experience. The employers said that she did not fit the role, especially since it involved much fieldwork on construction sites. Incidences such as these are common, and they count as gender discrimination as men are given priority over women without any consideration towards the qualifications. Watching her struggle, even having met the requirements, made me passionate about delivering this speech.
Background
Traditionally, the role of a provider in a home belongs to the man while the role of a woman is supposed to be the caretaker. Therefore, men are the ones who would go out in search of a living and come back to a comfortable home. History also tells us that men would go hunting while women would take care of cleanliness and preparing food. Beliefs about man being the one to provide for his family have been in existence for a long time. Modern society is changing this since many women are major participants in the economic sector. This shift in beliefs may be a major reason why women face such a challenge in their workplaces.
Current Situation
Discrimination in the workplace is one of the most debatable topics currently worldwide, with a sharp increase in cases charged concerning it. More women continue to report discrimination against them, yet the issue seems to be beyond control. Discrimination does not necessarily mean sexual harassment, as many people think, although it counts as a form. Dismissing a woman’s proposal during decision-making or considering a man when an opportunity for promotion arises are forms of discrimination as well. The problem is more common to women in industries that have been known to be male-dominated, such as the construction industry, just like in the case of my cousin. A study by the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) found that girls aged 5-14 spend 30%-50% more of their time on household chores than boys of the same age (UNICEF, 2019). A hundred years ago, the thought of women working in the economic sector was non-existent.
Measurement of Achievement of the Target
The goal is to reduce any form of gender bias, which will eventually lead to its elimination. One of the indicators of success will be if the number of cases concerning discrimination reduces. A study conducted by Research Centers showed that 42% of women in the United States faced some form of gender discrimination (Heise et al., 2019). This number is projected to increase if no action is taken to control these issues due to more women going into the industry. Another measure of the target would be determining the success of women in various workplaces. This success may be an increase in the number of women in places of work, their number in administrative positions, and their productivity. Researchers should measure statistics yearly to determine the progress made in combating this menace and monitoring progress. Remuneration paid to women in the workplace is also a way of measuring the attainment of the target. Women should receive as much pay as their male counterparts.
The Center for Creative Leadership proved through surveys of 500 companies that organizations with a higher representation of women on their boards outperform those with a lower number of women. The center also found that women would bring more organization to the companies they served (CCL Leading Effectively Staff, 2019). Gender equality is achievable and must involve each of us playing our role effectively. Furthermore, law enforcers should take practical action whenever discriminatory cases are brought to them. This move will ensure that such claims are treated with the seriousness they deserve. A community where women are empowered is a prosperous society.
References
Center for Creative Leadership Leading Effectively Staff. (2019). Women in the Workplace: Why Women Make Great Leaders & How to Retain Them. www.ccl.org
Heise, L., Greene, M., Opper, N., Stavropoulou, M., Harper, C., Nascimento, M. (2019). Gender inequality and restrictive gender norms: Framing the health challenges. The Lancet, 393 (10189), pp. 2440-2454.
Gender identity is a complex concept. It includes the self-perception of a person as male, female or other gender (non-binary person). It is believed that going beyond the gender assigned at birth helps to break down the stereotypes of one or the other gender. Currently, two groups are distinguished: cisgender persons (sex at birth corresponds to identity) and transgender persons (does not correspond). The concept of transgender comprises a combination of different variations in feminine and masculine characteristics in a persona (Menkin et al., 2021). The cisgender group is usually narrower.
How do you define identity?
The concept of gender identity was first proposed by Robert Stoller (Gamble, T. & Gamble, M., 2020). Gender identity is a consequence of a binary gender system: male and female. The concept of non-binary – the self-perception of a person as someone abstract who cannot be classified as either male or female – is now emerging in many countries. There is no right way to behave when it comes to defining gender identity. There are different patterns that people rely on to understand themselves. For example, tactics for behaving and dealing with this question might be this.
The impact of stereotypes on societyedits
Stereotypes have always influenced people’s lives. Boys traditionally play with cars, girls with dolls. For some people the pressure is too much (especially in countries where patriarchy still works). Unfortunately, this has led to things like dysphoria, psychological barriers, self-loathing, withdrawal and even depression. Stereotypes have developed based on the roles assigned to men and women in ancient times. The last 50 years have seen changes in gender roles due to developments in psychology and psychiatry, as well as in human neurophysiology. The human being strives to learn and to break down the established bigender frameworks.
How do you change stereotypes?
So how do you understand what society prescribes in traditional behaviour and what the person herself or himself really likes? Finding the right position is always difficult and time-consuming, but it is necessary in this matter. There are many possibilities open to the individual to realise himself. Restricting oneself to the bigender system constrains and does not allow one to develop fully (Martinez et al., 2019). Self-education and self-knowledge are the keys to socialising and breaking down gender boundaries. Gender constraints create harmful conditions in which the growth of a unified society is impossible. Moving away from gender frameworks is within everyone’s power, so everyone should struggle against them.
References
Gamble, T. & Gamble, M. (2020). The Gender Communication Connection. Routhlege.
Martinez, M. A. & Osornio, A. & Halim, M. & Zosuls, K. (2019). Gender: Awareness, Identity, and Stereotyping. Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology. (1-12). Elsevier.
Menkin, D. & Wesp, L. & Baker, K. & Mukerjee, R. & Singer, R. (2021). Clinician’s Guide to LGBTQIA+ Care. Springer Publishing.
The concepts of sex, gender and sexuality are wide in terms of meaning and applications (Bianca & Heather 2015). These concepts account for most of the behaviors that are common among human beings nowadays. In addition, Uzzell and Horne (2006) pointed out that gender and sexual orientation play a significant role in the decisions that different people take. For example, a lot of studies have pointed out that men and women respond differently to issues such as depression. Additionally, more men than women are likely to commit successful suicide. These are examples of cases to show the importance of understanding sex, gender, and sexuality to effectively combat issues arising from these concepts. This paper provides an overview of various aspects of psychology including the effects of sex, gender and sexuality on counseling psychology and the concept of hegemonic masculinity and its role in explaining gender variation in suicide rates and the diagnosis of depression. Secondly, the paper provides a critical analysis of the role of psychology in creating and maintaining ideas about sex, gender and sexuality and an evaluation of several alternatives to mainstream psychology, and the different characterizations they present of sex and gender. In addition, the paper covers an interrogation of the relationship between evidence, theory and practice in psychology with relation to gender and sexuality, and evaluation of the psychological theory with relation to gender and sexuality, as well as a reflection on the need for multiple theoretical perspectives to understand complex phenomena.
Effect of issues arising from sex, gender and sexuality on counseling psychology
Psychology is a very broad field that has several other areas such as counseling psychology. A lot of concerns have been expressed in the practice of psychology as far as issues arising from sexuality, gender and are concerned (Bianca & Heather 2015). Counseling psychology refers to one of the areas of applied psychology that focus on the facilitation of personal, as well as interpersonal functions across the human lifespan (Evans & Barker 2010). The field of counseling psychology shows concern in areas of human development, organization, and vocational, social and emotional aspects (Uzzell & Horne 2006). For this reason, there is a need for the concerned individuals to have a clear understanding of the various issues that might arise from gender, sex, and sexuality. The lack of understanding of human sexuality and the difference between gender and sex can have adverse effects on the practice of counseling psychology.
Usually, gender and sex issues affect the efficiency of psychological counselors in a case where the counselors do not have the necessary knowledge of such matters. Various studies have pointed out that most of the counselors and therapists do not have experience working with bisexual, gay and lesbian clients, and hence have challenges of inefficiency in service provision within such areas (Bianca & Heather 2015). This can be attributed to the fact that most counselors and gender therapists do not have enough skills and training as far as the concept of sexuality is concerned. For this reason, most gays, lesbians and bisexuals have had a bad experience with psychological counselors, a factor that undermines the significance of this area of applied psychology. Therefore, it is important for the concerned people to have the necessary training for the purpose of ensuring efficiency whenever dealing with any sex, gender and sexuality issues.
Gender variation in suicide rates and diagnosis of depression
The concept of hegemonic masculinity
There has been a developing debate focusing on the concept of men and masculinity as far as gender systems’ relationships and the aspect of social formation are concerned. For this reason, numerous scholars and psychologists have had divergent opinions on the concept of masculine gender systems (Uzzell & Horne 2006). Some researchers and scholars argue that historically, exogenous factors have been responsible for changes in masculine gender systems such that the system cannot stably reproduce in the absence of some external factors. On the other hand, other researchers believe that the current economy has played a significant role in the current social change. There are those scholars and researchers who are of the opinion that class relations determine gender relations. Additionally, there are concerns that male norms define autonomy, different types of aggression, inner drive and courage in men.
Hegemony has been considered to have contributed largely to Marxist thinking, and it refers to the aspect of holding and winning power, as well as the formation of particular social alignment during the process. As such, based on this perspective, the concept of hegemonic masculinity points to the different approaches through which the dominance of the ruling class is established and maintained. Several studies and theories have tried to explain the relationship between gender and sexuality, as well as the gender variation in suicide rates and diagnosis of depression.
Suicide, Depression, and Masculinities
There have been a lot of concerns regarding the subjective view that even though men and women attempt suicide as compared to their male counterparts, most cases of successful suicides are common among men (Cardoso 2012). For the past years, the explanations given by numerous psychologists and scholars were aligned to biological aspects only with little attention to factors related to gender (Marusic 2001). As such, the primary concern has been whether or not the construction of masculinity can be a starting point to understand the process of contemplating, discussing and enacting suicide among men.
Globally, the issue of suicide has been known to offer an interesting paradox. Successful suicide missions are rare among women despite the fact that they are involved in more suicide cases than men (Kandrychyn 2004). For example, according to reports on cases of suicide in the Western Hemisphere, the ratio of successful suicide between males and females is 2:1. Recent studies show that such figures might be extremely high in other countries (Bianca & Heather 2015; Cardoso 2012). In spite of this, it has been pointed out that such differences in the number of successful cases of suicide among men and women are not a recent phenomenon since the disparity has been there for ages.
Most of the explanations available nowadays about the variation of suicidal mortality are not satisfactory (Kandrychyn 2004). Cardoso (2012) attributed this to the fact that there must be complex factors involved as well as the rarity of suicidal actions. For this reason, most scholars find it challenging to examine the aspect of suicide variations in men and women. The lack of a precise measure and explanation of the differences in successful cases of suicides between men and women explains the extent of neglect on gender issues (Marusic 2001). As far as the argument on masculinity is concerned, several studies have tried to provide evidence that examining the aspect of gender can be a significant way to understand why men and women exhibit a particular gap in suicide cases (Cardoso 2012). Kandrychyn (2004) attributes this to the fact that the construction of masculinities plays a significant role in suicide cases. Expounding on such issues can offer insight into the various ways that can be used to modify influences on gender as far as suicidal behavior is concerned.
Several studies have shown that the lack of understanding of gender and masculinity affects the general concept of gender variation in suicide rates, as well as the diagnosis of depression between men and women (Canetto 2015; Emslie, Ridge, Ziebland & Hunt 2007; Kandrychyn 2004). In spite of this, it is universally understood among post-structuralists and social constructionists that the understanding of the aspect of gender can play a significant role in explaining cognitions and any behavior exhibited by men and women. For example, men in the West are considered to have experiences of social pressure in the endorsement of hegemonic gendered identities like competitiveness, strength and independence (Fernquist 2007). As such, concerning the cited example it appears that the possibility that all types of behaviors express gender, then ‘doing masculinity’ can be considered to put men in a vulnerable position to engage in suicidal behavior, especially when compared to women. In spite of this, the link between masculinity and suicide has not shown cases of historical interest among scholars and psychologists. According to Cardoso (2012), there are several ways through which masculinity constructions can have an effect on the success rate of suicide among men.
Fernquist (2007) noted that the methods of committing suicide that are used by men and women also determine the success rate of suicide. Men have a high possibility of using lethal methods in committing suicide like the use of firearms while women use less lethal methods of committing suicide. This explains the difference in the number of successful suicide cases between men and women. Several authors such as Canetto (2015) point out that the noted difference can be explained by considering the various ways through which different scholars use diverse social behaviors in the demonstration of gendered identities. According to Kandrychyn (2004), and basing the argument on a more distinct perspective, men have a high probability of using lethal methods of committing suicide as compared to women since such methods are considered to be in line with dominant constructions of masculinity prescribing strength and aggression. Several studies point out that it is considered inappropriate for men to survive a suicide act.
Men and women react differently to destress (Fernquist 2007). The concept of hegemonic masculinity points out that women, unlike men, are more likely to be affected by various situations that force them to be highly depressed (Kandrychyn 2004). Emslie, Ridge, Ziebland and Hunt (2007) observed that women are diagnosed with depressive disorders more often than their male counterparts, whereby men have a prevalence rate of 12.7% for depressive disorders as compared to the women with a prevalence rate of more than 20%. According to Bianca and Heather (2015), most of the explanations given on gender variation in depressive disorders focus on various variables that are different in different individuals. Nonetheless, none of the used variables have significantly explained the difference (Fernquist 2007). However, the concept of hegemonic masculinity has played a critical role in explaining such differences. Canetto (2015) noted that such differences exist due to the differences in power and status among women and men. Additionally, there are variations in the prevalence rate for depressive disorders between men and women because of the “differences in biological responses to stress factors, styles of coping with stress as well as different self-concepts” (Nolen-Hoeksema 2001; Emslie, Ridge, Ziebland & Hunt 2007). In the light of the theory of hegemonic masculinity, the absence of social power in women accounts for their vulnerability to different stressors. Evidently, the difference in depressive disorders and suicide rates in men and women can be explained adequately by the concept of hegemonic masculinity.
The role of psychology in creating and maintaining ideas about sex, gender, and sexuality
There are various ideas about sex, gender, and sexuality (Fernquist 2007). Several studies have shown that psychology has a role to play in creating and maintaining ideas about sex, gender, and sexuality (Riggs 2011). For example, there are different psychological theories that explain different ideas about gender and human psychology. Psychology helps in the description of the determination and management of sex categories, the diverse meanings in terms of the culture that attached the different responsibilities among men and women (Emslie, Ridge, Ziebland & Hunt 2007; (Sadi-Nakar 2010). Secondly, psychology is very important in providing as well as maintaining ideas that help individuals to understand the existence of various identities (Fernquist 2007). In addition, Bianca and Heather (2015) asserted that psychology provides an understanding of the social norms, as well as the different perception that exists regarding masculinity and femininity. As such, psychology has a role to distinguish between gender and sex through various psychological ideas and theories. The theories help individuals to understand, as well as keep different ideas about sex, gender, and sexuality.
Alternatives to mainstream psychology
Mainstream psychology has received numerous criticisms over the years (Sadi-Nakar 2010; Shwalb & Shwalb 2007). One of the significant alternatives to mainstream psychology is critical psychology, which is an aspect of psychology that focuses its argument on critical theory (Bornstein 2005). In the presentation of issues of gender and sex, critical psychology progressively applies a psychological understanding of sex and gender and incorporates the concept of social change as a way to prevent as well as treat psychopathology (Tredoux 2005; Tissaw & Osbeck 2007). Bornstein (2005) points out that critical psychology criticizes mainstream psychology for its failure to take into consideration the role of the difference in power among different groups and social classes in influencing the social well-being of any given individual.
Secondly, constructionism is also considered to be an alternative to mainstream psychology, which is focused on a meta-theoretical critique of the presentation of gender and sex (Tredoux 2005). According to constructionism, politico-ideological, cultural, historical and social processes play a crucial role in the construction of human beings.
The relationship between evidence, theory and practice in psychology with relation to gender and sexuality
The understanding of gender and sexuality can be explained in various perspectives such as through evidence, theory as well as portrayed through practice, especially in psychology. Many psychologists have expressed concern regarding the relationship between gender and sexuality (Riggs 2011). According to psychology, gender can be defined as the shared set of norms, as well as associated expectations that point out the appropriate behaviors of boys and girls, and men and women. On the other hand, psychology considers sexuality to be the sexual interest that humans express on others. As such, it can be seen that sexuality defines the ability to develop sexual feelings as well as attraction. Several theories and psychological practices have shown that there is a difference between gender and sexuality (Shwalb & Shwalb 2007; Bianca & Heather 2015). While gender identity is associated with the personal sense of an individual’s gender and their classification in terms of sociocultural aspects, sexuality associated with the sexual feeling that individuals develop towards one another. Evidence, theory and practice in psychology show similarity in the concepts of gender and sexuality.
The psychological theory offers a background through which individuals can analyze, as well as explain behavioral and psychological phenomena (Riggs 2011). In the case of gender and sexuality, the psychological theory provides the grounds through which one can understand the relationship between gender and sexuality, as well as the role of psychology in creating and maintaining ideas on sex, gender and sexuality.
Reflection on the need for multiple theoretical perspectives to understand complex phenomena
Theoretical perspective has been used for long in providing an understanding of different aspects. While such an approach has been significant in its application, there are a few limitations, especially concerning the autonomy of thoughts and opinions of various theorists. This implies that different people can come up with a theoretical perspective that is centered on their individual interests but does not take into consideration the general aspect of the phenomena they are trying to explain. Usually, theoretical perspective is developed with the aim of explaining certain phenomena by showing the link between different concepts. The efficiency of various theoretical perspectives in explaining complex phenomena relies heavily on the knowledge and expertise of the concerned individuals as far as the subject of interest is concerned. For this reason, having multiple theoretical perspectives is appropriate. This can be attributed to the fact that such an approach offers the proper grounds for the comparison of different propositions.
Conclusion
The analysis above has been extensive and covered major areas of psychology such as the role of psychology in the creation of ideas about sex and gender. In addition, it was evident that there are various alternatives to mainstream psychology that try to approach the concept of gender presentation and characterization in different ways. For example, the analysis discovered that critical psychology offers a lot of criticisms on the mainstream psychology due to its failure to consider the role of the differences in power among different groups and social classes in influencing the social well-being of any given individual.
In addition, it was evident that the gender variation in suicide rates and diagnosis of depression among men and women can be explained adequately by the theory of hegemonic masculinity. This is attributable to the fact that men and women have different biological responses as well as differ in terms of social power, which explain why women have a high prevalence of depressive disorders while men show a high success rate of suicide.
References
Bianca, B & Heather, W 2015, ‘The relationship between biological sex and attitudes towards the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disability: Does gender ideology mediate this relationship?’ Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 1-3.
Bornstein, R 2005, ‘Reconnecting psychoanalysis to mainstream psychology: Challenges and opportunities’, Psychoanalytic Psychology, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 323-340.
Canetto, S 2015, ‘Suicide: Why Are Older Men So Vulnerable?’, Men and Masculinities, vol. 1. No. 1, pp. 23-45.
Cardoso, F 2012, ‘The Relationship Between Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification Among Males in a Cross-Cultural Analysis in Brazil, Turkey and Thailand’, Sexuality & Culture, vol. 17, no. 4, pp.568-597.
Emslie, C, Ridge, D, Ziebland, S & Hunt, K 2007, ‘Exploring men’s and women’s experiences of depression and engagement with health professionals: more similarities than differences? A qualitative interview study’, BMC Fam Pract, vol. 8, no. 1, p.43.
Evans, M & Barker, M 2010, ‘How do you see me? Coming out in counselling’, British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 375-391.
Fernquist, R 2007, ‘How Do Durkheimian Variables Impact Variation in National Suicide Rates When Proxies for Depression and Alcoholism are Controlled?’, Archives of Suicide Research, vol. 11, no. 4, pp.361-374.
Kandrychyn, S 2004, ‘Geographic Variation in Suicide Rates: Relationships to Social Factors, Migration, and Ethnic History’, Archives of Suicide Research, vol. 8, no. 4, pp.303-314.
Marusic, A 2001, ‘Genetic risk factors as possible causes of the variation in European suicide rates’, The British Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 179, no. 3, pp.194-196.
Nolen-Hoeksema, S 2001, ‘Gender Differences in Depression’, Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 10, no. 5, pp.173-176.
Sadi-Nakar, M 2010, ‘Doing Psychology, Doing Inequality: Rethinking the Role of Psychology in Creating and Maintaining Social Inequality’, Sociological Inquiry, vol. 80, no. 3, pp.354-376.
Shwalb, D & Shwalb, B 2007, ‘Global psychology and mainstream psychology: A call for dialogue’, PsycCRITIQUES, vol. 52, no. 36, pp.1-4.
Tissaw, M & Osbeck, L 2007, ‘On Critical Engagement with the Mainstream: Introduction’, Theory & Psychology, vol. 17, no. 2, pp.155-168.
Tredoux, C 2005, ‘Psychology and law’, Lansdowne, South Africa.
Uzzell, D & Horne, N 2006, ‘The influence of biological sex, sexuality and gender role on interpersonal distance’, British Journal of Social Psychology, vol. 45, no. 3, pp.579-597.
Patriarchy is a concept that is used to define the privileges that are enjoyed by men in comparison to their female counterparts. Patriarchy has mostly been considered to have traditional roots where it was believed that only certain roles be left to the male gender. There was a distinction between the responsibilities that were being played by both the male and the female which had to be adapted without any question. However, the trend changed during the industrial revolution (Bryson, 2007). There was a need for the females to be involved in economic activities that were been believed to be suitable only for the males (Farber & Foner, 1994). This was due to the rising need for labor and the realization that women had a similar capability to handle such activities. This served as an eye-opener, not only for the females who discovered their abilities but also for the males who had no otherwise but to appreciate their efforts. Despite these changes, there were certain leadership positions that remained exclusively for males. One of the reasons behind this was the unreliable nature of the women. Despite their involvement in economic activities, they still had to fulfill their marital obligations of giving birth and rising children. This hence rendered them unreliable especially when they were expectant.
Women in America and political leadership
The patriarchy concept still exists in the modern world despite the revolution that has been observed especially among women. It would have been expected that women hold almost equal positions, especially in the government. Census results reveal that there are many women in the United States, yet this is not reflected in the number of positions they hold in the government (Hatfield, 2000). This has brought the question of whether the women actually have absolute trust in their female counterparts to lead the nation or not. There could be a number of reasons to why most women cannot be allowed to hold high offices when they are into the fight of gender equality. When it comes to leadership, it is more about having the skills than the gender. It also depends on how influential a person is to gather the majority votes. Most women who enter into politics in America do so mainly because they believe they will receive favors basically because they are women. When you keenly listen to their campaign speeches, they emphasize on the need for them to be voted into government positions as a form of empowering the women folk. Most of them may not necessarily display their agendas to facilitate development but rather to represent the women folk. People are looking out for leaders that are development conscious rather than those out to make a name.
Conclusion
The fight on gender equality and the equal representation of women will only be reached if women display to the public that they have what it takes to hold certain responsibilities. Most of them are always looking for sympathy and recognition simply to prove to the world that they are equal to men yet they are not productive enough. People including women will vote for a leader that will take them to the heights they want to reach rather than just having a female representative in the government (Dye & Harrison, 2007). Women are also faced with the challenge of supporting their husbands who may be campaigning for higher positions and also supporting their fellow women for the posts. All in all, it is hoped that the trend will change as women realize what is required for them to make it and to maintain top positions.
References
Bryson, V., (2007).Gender and the politics of time: feminist theory and contemporary debates. New York: The Policy Press.
Dye, T. & Harrison, B., (2007). Power and Society: An Introduction to the Social Sciences. London: Cengage Learning.
Farber, D. & Foner, E., (1994). The age of great dreams: America in the 1960s. California: Hill and Wang.
Hatfield, S., (2000). Gender and environment. London: Routledge.
A person can be classified as masculine or feminine because of biological orientation and social roles that society expects him or her to play. An individual can be identified as male, female, both, or neither. It is through socialization that individuals are categorized into different genders. Gender disorder in marriage often leads to problems as a partner can think that the other has taken over his or her roles.
Love
Love is defined differently by different people. This paper defines it as a strong affection towards someone. Love is what binds two people in a marriage. Love should therefore exist before marriage.
Commitment
Commitment is defined as a promise to someone regarding an obligation. Individuals in marriages and partnerships need to be loyal to each other to ensure that whatever the feelings they stay together for long (Lamana and Reidman, 2005).
Trust
Trust can be defined as the ability of a person to rely on another’s integrity and promise. Parties in marriage must have trust in each other because it is a basis for the growth of their union. It is an undeniable fact that lack of trust results in problems in marriage.
Fidelity
Fidelity is a virtue of loyalty or faithfulness between couples. Since marriage is a lifetime union, faithfulness is a pertinent ingredient. Couples must be faithful and loyal to each other by not having affairs with other parties. If fidelity is maintained, marriage is bound to last for a lifetime.
Spouse and life partner
A spouse is an individual who is a party to marriage while a life partner is a close friend who often lasts for a lifetime. Life partners can marry or remain unmarried. They can be of the same or opposite sexes.
Pleasure
This term refers to a sense of feeling which leads to delight and gratification. This sense of gratification among couples leads to satisfaction and thereby minimizes chances of unfaithfulness.
Partnership
It is an understanding in which two or more people consent to get into to better their interests. The moment two people decide to get married, it marks the commencement of a partnership to which they must always remain committed (Lamana and Reidman, 2005).
Sexuality
This is a means by which individuals express themselves personally. Sexuality in marriage is crucial as it begins with gender identity. It clearly outlines who plays the masculine or the feminine role. Both parties must be comfortable with each other’s sexuality to attain and maintain contentment in marriage.
Romance
Romance is an outcome of a strong affectionate feeling towards another person which generates gratifying emotion that is full of exhilaration and intimacy. Romance comes about when physical needs are met. Parties in a marriage need to be romantic as it harnesses love and loyalty.
Sexual satisfaction
Sexual contact between partners guarantees the fulfillment of a basic want. It is a necessity for good marriage because it is what physically bonds the partners.
Communication
This is the passage of information from one person to another. It is vital for a couple to always effectively communicate to minimize chances for misunderstanding.
The six (6) styles of love
They are; ludus, pragma, mania, eros, storge and agape. They all have great significance as they reflect on how different people perceive love to be. People look for different things in their associations with others. These include sexual pleasure, passion, sexual favors, affection, and commitment among other things. They all reflect on people’s behavior towards others (Knox and Schacht, 2008).
Elements of a healthy relationship
Couples should spend quality time together because it increases their love for one another. In doing so, they get to know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. There should be forgiveness. In case of a misunderstanding between parties, they should be willing to accept mistakes and forgive each other. Constant communication among the parties also fortifies their commitment to each other.
Things I should know
Love is what unites a couple. Lack of trust can cause a collapse of a marriage. I should be committed to my spouse or partner to ensure the continuity of my marriage. Finally, sexual satisfaction serves to maintain a marriage. By all means, there is no need to be unfaithful as it is immoral.
References
Lamana, M., & Reidman, A. (2005). Marriage and Families: Making Choices in a Diverse Society. 9th ed. Belmont, CA: Thompson/Wadsworth.
Knox, D., & Schacht, C. (2008). Choices in Relationships: An Introduction to Marriage And the Family. 10th Ed. New York: Cengage Learning.