Men and Women in Music Essay -- Gender Roles

sexual practice is a set of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that we typically associate with masculinity and femininity (Brym, 2011, p.76). A lot of times, these differences are socially constructed through various outlets one of them being music. Often times there is a lot of confusion amidst the definition of sex and gender. An easy steering to understand the two definitions is to remember that sex refers to biological differences between men and women and gender refers to culturally delimitate ways of being male or female. Through a process of gender socialization, we are enabled to understand how to be more masculine or maidenly (Brym, 2011, p.89). Music is definitely a contributor in the process of gender socialization. In a sociology 100 class, on February 3rd 2011, a class word of honor suggested that men are often characterized as violent, assertive, strong, and sexual instigators (reinforced by Pruitt, 2007). Since the beginning of time, men have been considered the dominant sex. In the same class discussion it was excessively suggested that women were emotional, motherly and insecure (again, reinforced by Pruitt, 2007). Unfortunately, women are seen as the weaker sex in society. This simplistic way of categorizing women and men is commonly referred to as gender stereotyping. Gender stereotyping is the simplification of common beliefs about men and women and the traits that they possess (Brym, 2011, p.156). Gender roles are socially constructed expectations on how males and females are required to behave in social settings (Brym, 2011, p.76). The line of work with gender roles is that theyre socially constructed meaning, its constantly changing. The term assumes that there are strict differences between men and women and the truth of t... ...be a part of. The women enkindle concepts like independence and freedom for women and have helped fuel the feminist movement in the humankind through music. Conversely, rap music is a Black male-domi nated genre that promotes aggressiveness, sexuality and dominance over women (Conrad et al., 2009). This genre is notorious for being misogynistic and sexist towards women (Conrad et al., 2009). As the world continues to evolve and grow, hopefully women will get the recognition they deserve in music and in the world in general. This way, there can be equality between the sexes in every aspect of life. However, the only way that this can happen is by allowing space for women in male-dominated genres like rap. Music is a social phenomenon that is constantly bringing people all over the world together. Hopefully in years to come, we can eradicate all inequalities within music.