Gender in Transition:

Social behavior of Men and

Women

Group 2:
1. Nisha Sultana
2. Tehsheena Yasmin
3. Maitreyee B Kashyap
4. Rajkumari Indrani Gogoi
5. Akshata Sharma
Introduction
Gender is a social construct that is often associated with biological sex, but the two are
not the same. Biological sex is determined by a person's chromosomes and anatomy,
while gender is a person's internal sense of their own identity.

Gender can be expressed in a variety of ways, including through a person's identity,

behavior, and appearance. It is important to note that gender is not a binary, and there
is a wide range of gender identities and expressions.

By Ann Oakley- "Gender is the social organization of the sexes." In her book Sex,
Gender and Society (1972), Oakley emphasizes the social and cultural dimensions of
gender, arguing that it is not simply a biological difference between men and women
but rather a system of social relationships that organizes and structures society.

Gender in transition: Gender roles have evolved significantly throughout history, shaped
by cultural norms, societal expectations, and prevailing ideologies. From hunter-gatherer
societies to modern times, the concept of gender and its associated roles has
undergone a dynamic transformation.

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 ▪ Hunter-Gatherer Societies (Pre-Agriculture)

In early hunter-gatherer societies, gender roles were often based on biological differences
and physical capabilities. Men, with their greater physical strength, were typically responsible
for hunting and providing food, while women, with their reproductive abilities, focused on
childcare and domestic tasks. This division of labor was seen as essential for survival in a
harsh and unpredictable environment.

▪ Agrarian Societies (Pre-Industrial Revolution)

With the advent of agriculture, gender roles became more specialized and rigid. Men took
on the role of farmers, overseeing the cultivation of crops and livestock, while women
continued to manage household duties and raise children. This shift reflected the increased
reliance on agriculture for sustenance and the need for a stable social structure .

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 ▪ Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Centuries)

The Industrial Revolution brought about a significant transformation in gender roles. As

factories emerged and manufacturing became a major economic force, women increasingly
entered the workforce, often taking on low-paying, labor-intensive jobs. This shift challenged
traditional gender norms and paved the way for greater female participation in the public
sphere.

▪ 20th Century and Beyond

The 20th century witnessed a continued expansion of women's roles in society. Suffrage
movements gained momentum, leading to women's right to vote in many countries.
Educational opportunities for women expanded, enabling them to pursue higher education
and enter professional fields previously dominated by men.In recent decades, the concept of
gender has become increasingly fluid and diverse. Gender roles are no longer seen as strictly
defined or limited to traditional binaries. Individuals are increasingly expressing their gender
identities in a multitude of ways, challenging societal norms and pushing for greater acceptance
and understanding.

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 o Factors Influencing the Evolution of Gender Roles:

Several factors have contributed to the evolution of gender roles throughout history-Economic
and Social Changes: Shifts in economic systems, technological advancements, and social
structures have played a significant role in shaping gender roles. For instance, the Industrial
Revolution led to women's increased participation in the workforce, while technological
innovations, such as contraception, have provided women with greater control over their
reproductive choices.

1. Cultural Norms and Ideologies:

Cultural beliefs and societal expectations have a profound impact on gender roles. These
norms often dictate acceptable behaviors, dress codes, and occupational choices for men and
women.

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 2. Political and Legal Movements:

Social movements, such as feminism, have challenged traditional gender norms

and advocated for greater gender equality. Legal changes, such as the granting of
women's suffrage and the passage of anti-discrimination laws, have also
contributed to the evolution of gender roles. Gender roles have undergone a
dynamic transformation throughout history, influenced by a complex interplay of
economic, social, and cultural factors. As societies continue to evolve, gender
roles will likely continue to adapt and redefine themselves, reflecting the changing
values and aspirations of individuals and communities.

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 o Social behavior:

Social behavior is any behavior that is influenced by or directed at

others. It encompasses all aspects of how humans interact with each
other, from verbal and nonverbal communication to physical actions and
emotional expressions. Social behavior is shaped by a complex interplay
of factors, including biology, culture, and personal experiences. For
example, girls and women are generally expected to dress in typically
feminine ways and be polite, accommodating, and nurturing. Men are
generally expected to be strong, aggressive, and bold.

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 oHow gender influence social behavior?
Gender can influence social behavior through a combination of biological, psychological,
and sociocultural factors. Societal expectations and cultural norms often prescribe specific roles
and behaviors for men and women. These expectations can shape social behavior in terms of
communication styles, emotional expression, and career choices.
• Biological influences:
There are some biological differences between men and women that may contribute to
differences in social behavior.
• Social influences:
Social influences also play a role in shaping gender differences in social behavior. Children
are socialized from a young age to learn and conform to gender norms.
• Cultural influences:
Cultural norms also play a role in shaping gender differences in social behavior.

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 o How men and women behave in social situations?
Men and women exhibit different behavioral patterns in social situations, influenced by a combination of
biological, societal, and cultural factors. These differences manifest in various aspects of social interaction,
including communication styles, nonverbal cues, and self-presentation.
1. Communication Styles:
Directness vs. Indirectness:
Men tend to be more direct and assertive in their communication, while women often adopt a more
indirect and cooperative approach. This difference is partly attributed to societal expectations that encourage
men to be assertive and women to be nurturing.
Talkativeness vs. Activeness Listening:
Men generally engage in more talkativeness, while women are more inclined to actively listen and
provide supportive responses. This difference may stem from socialization patterns that encourage men to
express their opinions and women to be empathetic listeners.
Problem-solving vs. Emotional Expression:
Men often focus on problem-solving and finding solutions in social interactions, while women tend to
prioritize emotional expression and building rapport. This difference may reflect societal expectations that men
should be rational and women should be emotionally intelligent.

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2. Nonverbal Cues:

Body Language:
Men often exhibit broader gestures, more direct eye contact, and a more expansive posture,
while women tend to adopt a more closed posture, less direct eye contact, and smaller gestures.
These nonverbal cues may reflect societal expectations that men should be confident and assertive,
while women should be modest and reserved.

Facial Expressions:
Men generally display a wider range of facial expressions, including anger, pride, and
amusement, while women tend to express a narrower range of emotions, focusing on happiness,
sadness, and surprise. This difference may stem from societal expectations that men should be
emotionally expressive and women should be emotionally controlled.

Personal Space:
Men typically maintain larger personal space bubbles, while women tend to prefer closer
proximity in social interactions. This difference may reflect cultural norms that encourage men to be
independent and women to be more connected.

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3. Self-Presentation:

Appearance:
Men often focus on projecting an image of competence, status, and attractiveness, while
women tend to emphasize approachability, warmth, and femininity. This difference may stem from
societal expectations that men should be successful and women should be nurturing.
Self-promotion:
Men generally self-promote more openly and assertively, while women often adopt a more
modest approach to self-promotion. This difference may reflect societal expectations that men should
be confident and women should be self-preserving.

Social Interaction Styles:

Men often engage in larger groups and prefer competitive or dominance-oriented activities,
while women tend to prefer smaller, more intimate groups and cooperative activities. This difference
may stem from socialization patterns that encourage men to be assertive and women to be
collaborative.
It is important to note that these generalizations are based on broad trends and do not apply
to all individuals. There is significant variation in behavior within both men and women, influenced by
personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual personalities.

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 o Gender roles:
Then:

1. Traditional Gender Roles:

In the past, there were more rigid expectations for men and women, with distinct roles assigned based on societal norms.

2. Limited Opportunities:
Women often faced restrictions in education and career opportunities, while men were typically the primary breadwinners.

3. Social Norms:
Traditional gender norms dictated behaviors, such as women being expected to prioritize family and men being encouraged to
display toughness.

4. Communication Styles:
Men were often socialized to be more assertive, while women were encouraged to be nurturing and empathetic in their
communication.

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Now:

1. Changing Dynamics:
Today, there is a shift towards breaking down gender stereotypes, allowing individuals to express themselves more freely.

2. Equal Opportunities:
Efforts have been made to bridge gender gaps in education and the workplace, promoting equal opportunities for men and women.

3. Flexible Roles:
Gender roles are becoming more fluid, with men and women participating in a wider range of activities without societal judgment.

4. Communication Evolvement:
There is a trend towards encouraging open communication and emotional expression for both men and women.

5. Parental Responsibilities:
There's a move towards shared responsibilities in parenting, challenging the traditional notion of mothers as the primary caregivers.

6. Recognition of Diversity:
Society is increasingly recognizing and accepting a spectrum of gender identities beyond the binary, fostering inclusivity and understanding.

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Conclusion
Gender roles have undergone significant transformations
throughout history, reflecting evolving societal norms,
economic conditions, and cultural values. These changes have
been driven by various factors, including technological
advancements, social movements, and political shifts. In the
21st century, gender roles are continuing to evolve, with a
growing emphasis on gender equality and fluidity. The
concept of traditional gender roles is increasingly challenged,
and there is greater recognition of the diversity of gender
identities and expressions.
These changes in gender roles have had a
profound impact on individuals, families, and societies as a
whole. They have contributed to greater social equality,
economic opportunities for women, and a broader
understanding of gender and identity. As we move forward,
it is important to continue to challenge traditional gender
norms and promote a more inclusive and equitable society
for all.

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Thank you