part 1
Explain the concept of gender being a social construct rather than a biological construct.
• What do scholars mean when they refer to gender as a social construct?
• Do you agree with the claim that gender, rather than biological sex, is socially constructed? Why or why not?
• Please use concepts from your course readings or outside sources to support your analysis.
part 2
There are many cultural and social stereotypes associated with how women and men communicate, both verbally and nonverbally. Based on the readings for this week and your own experiences, identify some of these stereotypes. Be sure to address:
• How/why these stereotypes exist?
• Why are these stereotypes a problem in communication?
• What are ways these stereotypes can be confronted, so to speak?
part 3
From the time we enter elementary school, boys and girls are given different sets of expectations regarding gender. These expectations then extend into the secondary classroom, the workplace and beyond. Based on this week’s readings and your own experiences, first discuss how education “enacts gender.” Then, provide an example of how these expectations have an impact on future performance (e.g., you can use gender expectations in the workplace from your own perspective). Last, have these expectations changed over the years? Why or why not?