Influence of Law or Religion on Gender
Gender, which basically refers to roles of men and women that are defined socially, has been the subject of discussion in United States as it is in other countries. Gender inequality has persisted despite the fact that there have been a lot of movements fighting for the rights of women. There are many factors in the society that influence gender and that is the reason why the subject has been prone to a lot of change. Society plays a very great role in defining men and women as it is a significant socializing agent. Parents are equally important as they are the first socializing agents since they contribute greatly to the behavior and values of children especially in early years of life. Law or religion is also a great influence especially in a country like America where most people are religious. Although the available law states that the church and the state are separate, the former influences the later greatly. The main purpose of this essay is to discuss major factors that influence gender. Bent on that, the essay shall discus the influence of law and religion on gender.
It is a fact that parents being the first teacher of a child play a significant role in defining gender. However, a critical analysis clearly illustrates that the state has got a very big role to play on the same. This is due to the fact that the state is in charge of coming up with laws that affect both men and women. United States has come up with various laws that are meant to protect the interests of both men and women and that is the reason why there is less gender inequality in the country compared to other countries in the world. Most studies indicate that a lot of people who face gender inequality and injustices seek refuge in America. Nonetheless, studies indicate that there are still some traces of gender inequality and most of them result from the already established laws. The change of gender roles has also been greatly influenced by the changing laws. For instance, laws that allow gay marriages are contributing greatly to the change of gender roles as unlike initially, when it was only allowed for opposite sex to marry; various states are encouraging gay marriages. Studies of Vestal (Para 1) indicate that six states in America have legalized gay marriages. Consequently, such laws are not only affecting men but also women.
Religion has also a great influence to gender both directly and indirectly. In a country like United States, religious organizations have great influence not only on politics, but also on other institutions which influence norms and values of a society (Jakobsen & Bernstein Para 1). A lot of scholars in United States maintain that gender inequality in United States results from protestant dominion not only in the political arena but also in other social institutions. The protestant faith maintains that women are subordinate to me as men are always the leaders. Due to this belief from the Christian faith, there is a lot of gender inequality as almost everyone is made to believe that men are superior to women. Apart from that, religion still influences the establishment of various laws that affect women. For instance, some religious groups like Catholics are entirely against such acts like abortion while others feel that prohibiting abortion is interfering with women rights. Whichever the case, influence of religion on gender needs no further emphasis especially in a religious country like America.
There is so much change that has taken place in America in relation to gender. Initially, women were not allowed to vote leave alone to be employed in formal set ups. However, as the years progressed, laws were amended to enable women to participate in politics and to occupy high positions in the government. As much as there is still some inequality in America, there is so much change and women are enjoying some rights which were basically for men. Gender roles have changed such that men can also perform some house hold chores which were initially for women. It is clear that laws contribute greatly to gender as it is as a result of change and establishment of such laws that these changes have been realized. Religion has played an equally important law since it influences to a great extent the establishment of laws as well as some values in the society.
Works Cited
Jakobsen, Janet R. and Elizabeth Bernstein. Religion, Politics and Gender Equality: Country Report USA (Draft). Web. 5 0ctober 2010.
Vestal, Christine. Gay Marriage Legal in Six States.
- Web. 5 October 2010.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]