Assignment 4

1) What does Cherlin mean when he argues that gender differences are built into the system i.e. "society." Give an example from the text of how gender is systematic.
 
Cherlin argues that gender differences are built into the system because gender differences are social creations deeply imbedded in the way society is organized. In the United States it is said that men and woman are built into their social systems through patriarchy. Patriarchy is a social order based on the domination of women by men, especially in agricultural societies. An example of how gender is systematic is men are more likely to work for pay, and when they do, most earn considerably higher wages and salaries than women.

 2) Give an example of "doing gender" from  your own life. Had you ever thought about this idea before?

An example of doing gender from my own life would be that I am the one who always has to the housework such as vaccuming,dusting, mopping and doing the dishes. My brother would always be the one who has to do the outside work such as mowing the lawn, landscaping, and helping my dad fix something that is broken. My mom would always tell me girls do housework and guys do outside work. Yes, I have thought about this idea before but never went into depth with it.

 3) From chapters 3 & 6 in the Cherlin text: define sexual identity in your own words. You may
 paraphrase/summarize Cherlin, but do not directly copy his words.

According to the definition in the text it say, " a set of sexual practices and attitudes that lead to the formation in a persons mind of an identity as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual." Basically what this means is that every individual is either straight, gay or in some cases likes both genders. This is very important to ones being because it is natural and it tells a lot about our selves and our sexual identity.

4) Next give one reason why social constructionists argue that sexual identity or gender are socially constructed.

Social constructionists believe that sexual identities are entirely socially created. They note the unclear boundaries of the two gender, heterosexually dominant model. They might cite the between man and woman genders such as the two spirits. Social constructionists also say that in ancient Greece and Rome, men are allowed, even expected, to desire sex with other men or boys as well with woman.

5) Last, why is it difficult to find accurate data on sexuality as a researcher? If you were asked to participate in a study on sexuality would you answer truthfully? Would you participate at all? What kinds of things would you want to hear from the researcher about how your privacy would be protected if you did participate?

It is difficult to find accurate data on sexuality as a researcher because finding out the different sexualities from people are from many different answers. Some say they are born the way they are, Or they have feelings for either the same gender or the opposite, or some just do it because they want to. There is so many reasons to distinguish accurate sexuality on someone. If i was to be asked to participate in a study on sexuality I would answer truthfully. Yes, I would participate. I would ask the researcher what kind of things he would want me to answer first and how he is going to keep it protected and That he will keep my name out of his/her study on me. I believe everyone should be open about themselves not to be scared of what someone thinks of them and to love themselves for who they are.