#79, Gender

Sex and gender are two distinct ideas.  Sex tends to refer to one's biological differences.  Gender refers to cultural and social differences.  For example, one gender stereotype is that boys shouldn't cry, but for girls it's okay.  Another is that it's okay for boys to play sports but girls should not.

The male and female gender roles are reinforced everywhere in society.  Whether it's at school, at home, in the media...these ideas are present in all parts of our lives.

Find an example of an advertisement that reinforces a gender role.  It could be a commercial, an Internet advertisement, or something you see outside.  Describe the advertisement.  Then describe what sort of idea it encourages about males or females.  Do you agree with the advertisement's message?

-Brenden Lee Teacher

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