Equality of the sexes is an issue that has been the centre of focus for years. Daily, we witness cases of discrimination based on gender roles. Whether at home, school, work or in social institutions, individuals constantly face discrimination on the basis of having male or female roles. In the analysis of a current article and one from decades back, I seek to determine whether there have been changes in research processes based on gender. These changes can be positive or negative.
In her article New Solutions, Novotney (2009) studies the symptoms of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Her study can be regarded as gender fair as it caters for all through encouraging Americans to live healthy lives by eating healthy: men and women alike. The study also explores the various eating disorders research, education, prevention and treatment for both sexes.
She explores the gender disparity in regard to this topic by providing information on men’s struggle with eating disorders. Though this is not in-depth, it analyses Thompson’s view that a drastic increase in the number of articles focusing on the body image of men has been noted. Specialists have observed symptoms and psychiatric conditions related to muscle dysmorphia (Thompson, 2007).
In relation to gender bias, most of the research focused on female subjects. The research on the role of genes in determining eating disorders focused on girls from Minnesota. The 13-country Genetic Consortium carried out a study of 4000 girls and not males. Even the innovative attempts by psychologists to acquire treatment for these disorders targeted older women. This disparity is mainly due to the prevalence of eating disorders among women unlike in men where they are rare and barely detected.
Kuethe’s article explores a research carried out by analyzing 600 children’s books to determine the attribution of gender differences to various animals especially the cat and the dog (1966). In the research, it was noted that the dog was often associated with boys, whereas the cat was associated with girls. This is evidence that the gender issue is not a thing of the modern world but has been in existence for a long while.
This research displays gender bias as it shows people’s tendency to relate strong and powerful animals to the males while the gentle and harmless cat is related to females. Females may be weaker physically in certain situations, but they are equally able to accomplish most of the things that men can do if given the chance. They should be taught from childhood that they have potential; this is not possible if gender bias begins from the exact books used to teach.
On the bright side, gender fairness was also observed in some of the stories. Many stories were found to associate other animals such as the buffalo and zebra to children. This association did not have any evidence of gender-based schemata. It is crucial to note that these books are written by adults who have defined social schemas; these will affect their view of gender roles.
Individuals in the society have specific schemas they use in understanding; their environment, themselves and other people. It is vital to ensure this schema is not biased. In the writing of children’s literature for instance, they should be avoided as they will affect the foundation the child has on gender expectations. We all have the ability to excel in our endeavors; instead of causing differences based on gender roles we should strive to live and work as one.
Reference
Kueth, J. L. (1966). Perpetuation of Specific Schemata in Literature for Children. Psychological Reports, Vol. 18 pp. 433-434, Retrieved March, 14, 2013 from http://www.amsciepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2466/pr0.1966.18.2.433
Novotney, A. (2009). New Solutions: Psychologists developing promising new treatments and conducting research to combat eating disorders. Monitor Staff, Vol. 40(4) pp. 46, Retrieved March 14, 2013 from http://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/04/treatments.aspx
Thompson, J. K., & Cafri, G.(Eds) (2007). The Muscular Ideal: Psychological, medical, and social perspectives. Washington: American Psychological Association
Shaffer, D. R. (2009).Social and Personality Development. ISBN 0495600385 Retrieved March 14, 2013 from http://www.books.google.com
