A World Without Gender." Sociological Perspectives, edited by Constance L. Shehan, Gale, 2017. Gale Researcher, Cengage Publishers

Abstract

To envision a post-gender world, it is important to pay some attention to the patterns of gender discrimination that operate in society. Gender is a social construction, meaning that masculinity and femininity are constructed and maintained through social interactions and socialization. The social constructionist framework of gender has created a binary between masculinity and femininity: for example, women are trained to be submissive and men to be aggressive. However there are avenues by which this inequality can be eradicated, both at the micro and the macro social level. Without giving attention to the patterns and systems of gender discrimination that exist in society, a post-gender world remains beyond reach. However, changes can be made at both the macro and the micro levels. At the micro level, it is important to alter the imbalance of labor within the household, where women disproportionately shoulder the household responsibilities. Parenting also operates on a micro level, and in order to attain a post-gender society it is vital to socialize children beyond the gender binaries. At the macro level, changes need to happen in the schools, workplace and media. Schools should discourage gender-based bullying, and workplaces need to reduce discrimination against women. Media portrayals of gender have also been problematic for a long time. Television shows and movies legitimize gender binaries, thereby reinforcing gender discrimination. To attain a gender-neutral society, the media rhetoric has to change. At the core of a post-gender society are intersectionality and an appreciation of diversity. As much as we discuss changes in gendered behavior institutionally, it is important to take into account race, nationality, sexuality, and other differences.