Gender Stratification: She/He – Who Goes First, Essay Example

The majority of the men and women nowadays follow the roles and identities that their particular society has constructed for them. It is not surprising that the perceptions of male and female duties, responsibilities and social positions differ so much all over the world with each nation shaping the above variables by means of cultural, traditional and socially acceptable norms. With this in mind, it is highly important to be aware of such differences and to show respect and tolerance toward them, though some may seem inhuman, vulgar and unacceptable. The essential position is to accept their difference and avoid judging them from the right/wrong perception. They are different, as all the nations all over the world are. We judge what we see from our biologically and socially constructed viewpoint, whereas the people on the other side of the world might have the same confused perceptions of our way of life.

Gender differences in the contemporary world are a question of on-going dispute. The fact that the nations worldwide have different definitions and beliefs hold towards the words gender, sexuality and identity make the international conversation perplexing and challenging. That is the exact reason why this particular social concern is so important. There is no one exact righteous answer that will suit all the nations, that is why people should be aware of the differences in perception and social structure in order to not to offend or disregard others. Mutual tolerance and respect are keys in understanding and accepting each others values and norms as well as are a path to building a global society, which accepts and tolerates each and every its member.

For an individual to be aware of the cultural and social differences in gender-based roles and identities is essential for a couple of reasons. First of all, not only does it broaden one’s outlook by means of acquiring new information about the world around, but also helps an individual to avoid offensive and unacceptable behavior or conduct when communicating with people of different religious and cultural backgrounds. Showing the acknowledgement and awareness of others’ culture and social norms is advantageous for it builds the perception of you as of an intelligent and respected person. That doesn’t mean that you should follow or practice those ideas unless you want to.

From the viewpoint of contemporary arising equality and feminist movements the problem of gender differences raises a wide concern in many countries all over the world. The most problematic aspect of the issue is that certain social norms are so brutal and humiliating to a modern person that there is no way people are able to accept the national differences. The way Arabic women are treated is unthought-of in most European and North and South America countries, while the behavior of European and American women and their conduct can be considered disgraceful in most Arabic countries. At this point in the world countries are more concerned with defending their own views and judgments, rather than compromising or cooperating with others. Social and national identities are among the main concerns of the national development programs, which leave less and less space for shared tolerance and understanding. I am not trying to say that we should all accept and practice the norms of others. What is important is to be aware and help those in need to avoid worldwide accepted terms of suffering and violating human rights. Human life is of a higher value than anything else out there, though some societies may still not agree with such kind of a statement. A social change at all levels from micro to macro is what can make a difference or at least make an effort in that direction.