Power, Gender Identities, and Conflict

    In class my group talked a lot about how we are affected by our own gender identities in conflict.  We talked about the ways in which men and women are "supposed" to act in situations of conflicts.  For example, we said that it would not be  considered normal for a woman to yell at a man and the man just subdue and cry.  We also talked about what the implications would be for this man if this argument would have taken place in a public setting.  The notion that is constantly reinforced in our society is that men are inherently aggressive and are the ones who normally triumph in conflict, but what happens when this is not the case?  Then there are questions raised about the man's sexuality and his masculinity is challenged. 
    We also talked about the role of power in relationships.  We talked about how most men will just sit back in attempts to avoid arguments when in the home, but when they are around friends, say in the bar, they will not subdue to their wives, they will usually exhibit that power and argue back to prove to their friends that they "have the upper-hand".  Therefore; there is some variability in the ways power is exhibited based on the context and setting of the situation. 
    When dealing with power and gender identities there is constant reinforcing that is coming from the societal level.  People want to be seen in the light of their peers as desirable.  If a man's sexuality becomes questioned what happens to his social life, especially if he is involved with sports?  He will be ostracized by his teammates and peers or could even have violent acts cast upon him.  Although most of these events are situational and vary based on personalities, etc., for the most part there are strict guidelines and rules that are "known" about the ways in which men and women are supposed to act, and specific guidelines as to who has the power in a given situation.
    As social creatures we've all been transformed to think and act in ways that are pleasing to the society as a whole.  I think now we need to challenge those "norms" and create new ones in hopes of better lives for those who follow.

Until Next Time.