Pangasinan State University

Urdaneta City Campus, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan

Department of Architecture and Engineering

BREAKING THE SILENCE:

EXPLORING THE GENDER THEORIES

AND SOCIETAL INTERPRETATIONS

Submitted by:

Pertudo, Veenee B.

3rd Year

1st Semester, AY 2023-2024

Ms. Joan Elizabeth G. Ibay

(December 15, 2023)

I. INTRODUCTION

A fascinating adventure awaits us as we explore into the deep lessons on societies,

Gerhard Lenski's sociological classifications, and the complicated structure of gender-
related difficulties. Starting this investigation with some important questions, let's see
where gender equality stands in the Philippines right now. The modern world is a
masterpiece made with both advancement and continuing difficulties.

Gender equality in the Philippines faces several modern challenges. Gender

stereotypes are still widely accepted in society, where roles and traits are determined by
a person's gender. Full participation is restricted by economic marginalization, which
limits one gender's access to resources. Traditional views portray women as being
obedient to their husbands, and this subordination is prevalent in the household. Some
genders bear the pressure of carrying many responsibilities since they are expected to
balance a variety of roles with limited time and resources.

These problems have a significant effect on us as a nation. Gender inequality is

sustained by a variety of complex societal influences, from personal choices to
institutionalized norms and procedures. Understanding the interconnected processes of
institutionalization and legitimation that uphold gender inequity is just as difficult as
recognizing these problems.

Our fight for equality is further tainted by economic limitations. Example, Andrea and
Ricci struggle with limited access to resources in rural areas, which feeds poverty
cycles. Imagine Ricci, a hardworking farmer, unable to achieve his full potential due to
the unequal allocation of resources based on traditional gender standards.

II. BODY

The development of this ideal society has been triggered by gender equality. Economic
equality, represented by the removal of obstacles to opportunity, aims to create a
society in which people like Juan and Juana can freely contribute and promote
economic growth. To address gender-related issues, established traditions and beliefs
must be contested. Imagine a workplace where people like Maria and Alex rise to
leadership positions without facing barriers based on their gender, a society that is
actively challenging the twin concepts of paternalism and respect.

Education has a crucial part in developing values. Studying sociology and other gender-
related courses places a strong emphasis on cognitive growth, which acts as a trigger
for the application of positive behaviors. Imagine learning environments where kids like
Daniel are encouraged to embrace creativity that goes beyond gender stereotypes,
creating a generation that values personal expression.

Education is a powerful tool in the fight against gender-based violence because it

enables people to identify and confront assumptions. Imagine a society that strongly
condemns violence against any gender identity or sexual orientation and where
Kathryn's commute is free from harassment.

Our goal should be to create a community where people value diversity's richness
rather than ignore it. Imagine a society in which every person freely contributes to the
overall structure of society, regardless of gender. It's about creating a climate in which
opportunities are not limited by preconceptions and where everyone’s welfare is closely
connected to the community's general well-being.

Promoting gender equality holds the secret to realizing this ambition. Not only must the
glaring differences be addressed, but established biases and conventions that restrict
people's potential because of their gender must be destroyed. The economy of the
entire society gains when Daniel and Kathryn are afforded equal opportunities at work
and are free to contribute their abilities without hindrance. Gender equality acts as a
kind of progress catalyst, dismantling long-standing obstacles to the advancement of
society.

Understanding different gender identities and experiences promotes empathy. Imagine

a classroom discussion in which pupils engage with literature that represents different
gender perspectives or share their own stories. This awareness clarifies misconceptions
and creates compassion. Practical skills are learned through participatory activities like
consent workshops or debates. Through conversations on healthy relationships or
workshops that imitate real-life events, people can learn how to negotiate interpersonal
dynamics and develop respect and understanding.

Studying topics relating to gender is a journey into understanding human experiences

rather than simply gaining theoretical knowledge. Through studying current movements,
historical conflicts, and many identities, people can learn things outside of the
classroom. These teachings serve as a mirror reflecting the complicated workings of
society, pointing people in the direction of ideals such as equality, empathy, and a
resolve to question accepted wisdom in the hope of creating a more diverse community.

III. ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS

In exploring the fascinating tapestry of societies and going into the complex structure of
gender-related issues, a profound understanding emerges. The lectures take the reader
through the fields of culture, population, and the dynamic dance of changing society.

As a complicated combination, society depends on common ground and cultural norms.

Over time, the population participates in a dynamic cultural evolution that is linked with
interconnectedness. Our understanding is further enhanced by Auguste Comte's Law of
Three Stages, which illustrates the intellectual development fundamental to the
formation of society. This growth leads from religious abstraction to philosophical
reasoning and ultimately to a beneficial, science-driven approach.

Through the classification of societal levels by Gerhard Lenski, the development of

gender-related issues is shown. Gender roles and inequality are shaped by each stage
of development, from democratic hunters and gatherers to post-industrial information-
driven society. Given that gender has a profound impact on societal structures,
interactions, and identities, studying gender becomes essential. Gender disparity is a
complex combination of acts, expectations, social groups, and institutional systems;
placing the blame on specific people oversimplifies the problem.

Gender differences are explained by theories of gender development, both cognitive

and biological. Hormones and chromosomes have their functions, but gender constancy
and other cognitive processes reveal how knowledge about gender is actively
constructed.
The focus then turns to violence and discrimination against women, highlighting
instances of prejudice, economic exclusion, and subordination. The glass ceiling
becomes a concrete metaphor that highlights social barriers that limit professional
advancement. Gender-based violence highlights entrenched power disparities in both
the physical and economic spheres. Ideologies such as paternalism and deference
serve to institutionalize and legitimize inequality.

When these reflections are combined, a complex story is revealed. It is critical to

recognize the complexity of issues pertaining to gender and society. Finding solutions
requires teamwork that goes beyond placing blame. Gender and society are deeply
interconnected, revealing a deep interconnectivity that calls for us to negotiate this
complex environment with compassion and a dedication to positive change.
As a student: Eliminating assumptions through educational programs is essential to
promoting safety and respect. An environment that is good for learning is promoted by
holding open discussions and promoting inclusive events.

As a Citizen of the Nation: Promoting inclusive regulations, assisting companies that

implement fair labor standards, and strongly opposing discriminatory attitudes are all
ways that one can contribute to gender equality. To bring about systemic change,
education and awareness are required.

IV. POINTS TO PONDER

• Gender-related issues continue to exist in different forms despite advancements,

demanding ongoing attention.

• More research is needed to fully understand interconnectedness and how it affects

gender experiences.

• There is still serious worry about the media's role in maintaining stereotypes.

• A more thorough investigation is required due to implementation gaps in current

policies.

• Gender expectations are influenced by cultural standards, which calls for careful study.
V. REFERENCES
 Macionis, J.J. (2012). Sociology, 14th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson
Education, Inc.
 Lindsey, L.L. (2015). Gender roles: A Sociological Perspective. New York: Taylor
& Francis Group.
 Society. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.uop.edu.pk/ocontents/SOCIETY.pdf
 The Law of Three Stages. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/topic/law-of-three-stages
 Holmes, M. (2007). What is Gender? Sociological Approaches. Singapore: SAGE
Publications Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.
 World Health Organization. (n.d.). Violence Against Women. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
 UN Free & Equal. (2017). Homophobic and Transphobic Violence. Retrieved
from https://www.unfe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Homophobic-and-
Transphobic-Violence.pdf
 Williams Institute. (n.d.). Press Release: National Intimate Partner and Sexual
Violence Survey (NISVS) - LGBT Data. Retrieved from
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/ncvs-lgbt-violence-press-release/
 Council of Europe. (n.d.). What is Gender-Based Violence?. Retrieved from
https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/what-is-gender-based-violence
 Council of Europe. (n.d.). Physical Violence. Retrieved from
https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/physical-violence
 Council of Europe. (n.d.). Psychological Violence. Retrieved from
https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/psychological-violence
 Council of Europe. (n.d.). Sexual Violence. Retrieved from
https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/sexual-violence