Gendered Patterns of Relationship Formation
It needs to be highlighted that the most common impact and influence that shapes conscious decision making in relationships are the beliefs and thought process thrust upon by generations . There exists a strong influence on what is being stated and believed by the previous generations. For example, to go on a date, men need to ask women out and if they are dining, he is supposed to take care of the bill. Women are expected to be more emotionally attached and men are perceived to be needed to kept ‘interested’ while in a relationship . However, such traditional thought processes have been observed to slowly pave the way for a new trend as far as gendered patterns and relationship developments are concerned, as they have been observed to become less rigid by the day.
Current and Envisioned Trends of Relationship Formation
One of the most common reasons behind development of preconceived gender behavior is gender stereotyping which have been prevalent for a long time till now. Gender stereotyping refers to the imposing and association of specific characteristic behavior patterns which are said to have been assigned to specific genders . However, it has been observed that this preconceived notion about gender patterns are changing dramatically, much of which is attributed to globalization and the radical development of information and communications technology (ICT). Earlier, the methods of meeting and communicating were quite streamlined too, which sort of limited the information and thought process of individuals which is not the case right now. No longer is it a taboo to find partners involved in a romantic relationship that belong to the same sex. At the same time it is far less surprising to find women making advances to dates in a social scenario and, as the traditional saying goes ‘making the first move’. The reason is attributed widely to the information individuals receive about society, much of which is propagated through the media – internet, social websites, movies, television, etc. As the information available to individuals today is highly diverse (in true sense of the term) as far as relationship with another human being is concerned, people are becoming more receptive to different ideologies and thought processes. There is no harm in being abreast of developments in society – to be oblivious to the same on purpose is the real mistake. What is necessary right now is to accept the fact that it is okay for a girl to initiate a date or flirt, making advancements to the man of her interest. It is time to accept that other so called ‘modern’ thought process which recognizes homosexuality, an active sex life, starting or ending a relationship on social network is absolutely okay. Till the time it does not interfere with human nature and virtues of care, providing and continuation of the human race.
Conclusion
The reflections of the author of this presentation, stated in the sections above does recognize and accept the fact that no longer should our thought processes be confined to the traditional boundaries built by generations by gone. That we should also make a conscious effort in not only preventing stereotyping society, but also accept new concepts and changes as far as human behavior and its evolution is concerned. However, the author would also like to conclude that along with accepting changes, the human race should also be ever aware of the existence of the thin line between having a modern and contemporary thought process, and disregarding rational and moral behavior; and that we should be ever vigilant so that these two do not become one with or without our knowledge.
References
Brannon, L. Gender: Psychological perspectives. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 2005.
Shaw, M.S. & Lee, J. Women’s, voice feminist vision: classic and contemporary readings. New York: McGraw Hill, 2007.
