Social construct of women

Social Construction Theory is the idea that what we consider to be real is only that way because it has been confirmed via means of communication. I believe that reality is more subjective that. Just because one does not share and express an experience or feeling, that does not mean it did not happen.

In the 1950’s, the social construction of women was that they were the makers and keepers of the home; they raised the children and made sure the home was a relaxed and welcoming environment for her husband when he got home from a long day at work. This was the “reality” for women in these days because it was the consensus through micro and macro communication. The inferiority of women was made known through television, advertising, and the way men and women alike behaved.

Today, the role of women is much less black and white, and more contradictory and paradoxical. They are told to be sexy, but not sluty. Smart, but not smarter than men. Be funny, but only if that means they laugh at men’s jokes. Yes, women have gained rights since the !950’s, but the social construct they are trapped in is still one that is desperate for change.

Men are portrayed to be dominant and the only ones that matter. We know that not to be true, yet men still are at a much greater advantage in life than women today. Men make more money, face less oppression, and have the ability to express themselves in a  way women cannot. Yes men face more standards and ideas on what they should be than they used to; in the way they dress, how intelligent they must be, and how masculine they behave. This, however, is nothing compared to the struggles women have to face.