Article Analysis Essay on "Becoming Members of Society: Learning the Social Meanings of Gender"

Introduction

In "Becoming Members of Society: Learning the Social Meaning of Gender," Aaron Devor highlights that gender influences the behaviors and relationship of an individual with others and more importantly how gender is perceived in the society. The author points out that gender roles are always acquired early in life (Devor 9). The idea addressed by Devor revolves around gender, and this is usually found in people's everyday life. Furthermore, the author argues that for individuals to become members of society, they must always identify where they belong (Devor 11). People will often perform roles and depict behaviors that conform to their gender identities and people who flout the rules are considered as outcasts within the society (Devor 23). Devor's central claim is hinged on the role of gender in influencing the behavior of individuals.

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Devor argues that societal norms of a given culture greatly influences the perception of gender identity and any individual who attempts to deviate from the assigned tasks are considered immoral in society. He further stresses that the society often demands certain results from individuals and conformity or digression from social norms is either rewarded or punished. The author strongly highlights that children will always build their foundation on the observed behaviors and personality of people around them (Devor 384). More often than not, the children will often attempt to change their behavior to fit their present environment to avoid scorns and ridicule in society (Devor 386). Devor states that it is believed that people can only change their gender through sex-change surgery (Devor 528). In Devor's article, it can be understood that society has a critical impact on the perception of gender. Because every individual has a distinct perception and beliefs, developing an understanding of the gender roles has been complex.

Moreover, the author reiterates that gender identity is shaped by society, which also defines attributes of masculinity and femininity (Devor 262). Devor points out that children often begin to see gender as built around actions rather than genitalia, and they always mimic values of the surrounding cultural setting (Devor 394). According to the author, he highlights that attributes like aggressiveness and dominance are associated with masculinity while femininity is associated with attributes such as caring, maternal, empathy, and sensitivity for others (Devor 7). Also, gender identity is seen in the spectrum of the diverse behaviors of individuals within society. Devor asserts that gender is a performance, and in supporting this, he appreciates the fact that society will either reward or punish individuals based on their conformity to the established societal norms (Devor 8).

Considering the central idea put forth by Devor, it can be inferred that society plays a significant role in shaping one's gender role and that males and females are expected to perform certain roles and conform to the societal norms. Societal punishment is often levelled against males and females who fall short of conforming to the defined characteristics of aggression, competitiveness, submission and care. It is instructive to note that there has been a widely held view that individuals believe that it is difficult for them to change the set gender norms because societal expectations have conditioned their lives (Devor 264). The ideas presented by the author revolves around gender construct where masculinity is associated with aggressiveness and femininity is associated with attributes of sensitivity and care for others.

Work Cited

Devor, Aaron. "Becoming Members of Society: Learning the Social Meanings of Gender." Gender Blending: Confronting the Limits of Duality, 1992, pp. 7-528.