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Gender role is defined simply as the perceived set of expectations, attitudes, and life goals of a particular gender. But who defines these expectations, and for what reason? Why is it ok for a boy to be a fireman, but not a nurse? Why are females discouraged from being discourteous and loud, where it is almost expected of men to do so? Someone or something had to have prescribed these roles for us to follow. - Without much effort, most of the above question is answered with a quick glance at history. Often referred to as the golden age of humanity, the Renaissance provided the world with a new belief that the individual was the centerpiece of the universe.
Without the renaissance the whole philosophy of liberal studies, which is what this institution of higher learning deems as its most important quality, or many other beliefs and ideas would not exist. It no doubt has had a profound impact on the way we approach art, literature, and many other aspects of society. The above seems common knowledge, however a little known fact about the Renaissance is how it shaped modern thought regarding gender and the roles assigned to them. Just as [a man] must show a certain solid and sturdy manliness, so it is seemly for a woman to have a soft and delicate tenderness, with an air of womanly sweetness in her every movement (Castiglione 206). In his book, The Courtier, Baldassare Castiglione outlined the ideal man and woman. He outlined what things the genders should be educated on as well as how they should carry themselves in public and private life.
In the early 1500 s this was the handbook on how to be a proper individual in society. In the great words of Sir Charles Barkley. anything less would be uncivilized. For males, Castiglione wished that the proper man exercised regularly and was known to be energetic and full of vigor. He was also to be faithful to whomever he served.
His reputation was key and cowardice or other disgrace, always remains defiled before the world and covered with ignominy (Castiglione 34). Aside from not being a wimp, the ideal man was to be learned in letters and studies, which today we call the humanities. He was to learn Greek, Latin, as well as his own particular vernacular so he could hold conversation with almost any man from any place. He should also be versed in poetry and history.
When conversing with others Castiglione felt the man should be bold and self confident and to be cautious and reserved rather than forward and take care not to get the mistaken notion that he knows something he does not know (Castiglione 71). For the Women, Castiglione outlined a much less learned life. Above all he felt that beauty is more necessary to her than the [male], for truly that woman lacks much who lacks beauty (Castiglione 208). After her beauty was established, she next strove to perfect herself so she may be able to carry herself appropriately in front of company. He stressed a need for knowledge of letters, music, painting and dancing. He also felt that the woman was to be pleasant and festive in all types of company no matter how much she disliked them.
She must not be so coy, or appear so to abhor gay company or any talk that is a little loose, and she must also not utter unseemly words or enter into any immodest and unbridled familiarity or into ways such as might cause others to believe about her what is perhaps not true (Castiglione 212). Essentially, she must be pleasant and flirty however not too flirty where she could be seen as a whore. So how does that influence modern perceptions of gender? In Child Development in the 21 rst Century, Dr. Stanley K.
Fitch, goes into detail about the perceived and actual differences in gender and gender roles today. Relating those concepts to psychology, he draws important conclusions about gender roles in the 21 rst century. In his compilation of research it was found that on average males tend to be more aggressive than girls and also had more tendency to try and control the situation. Females on the other hand, more often than not, were more empathetic and able to convey their feelings more clearly. Females also excelled in verbal ability, while males did much better in algebra and abstract thinking (Fitch 318). In relation to perceived roles and schemas, Fitch looked to family and culture as the main prescriber's of gender role.
The family, having a majority of its beliefs and traditions passed down from previous generations, until recently, sought to preserve the old beliefs and customs on gender roles. While both parents share equally in influencing their childs prescribed gender role, particular attention must be paid to fathers (Fitch 325). Imagine a father expecting the birth of his first born, upon learning the sex of the child, he goes to the store and buys gender appropriate items for the child. What items come to mind for a male? A female? Another example, a father is often boastful of his young sons physical prowess when talking to peers.
Whereas, when talking about the daughter, he holds her in a special regard as Daddys little princess, boasting of her beauty and delicacy. In opposition to the above claim, Fitch also found that there are some cultures that have gender roles reversed. Suggesting that the renaissance did not effect their beliefs, rather necessity. Margaret Meads study of three New Guinea tribes in which the gender roles are reversed, it was found that there was no biological explanation for the reversal of roles within gender (Fitch 326). These tribes varied on their roles because of the necessity of the work required to survive.
In one tribe the females were the hunters and acted more like we would expect males to; brutish, physical, and rude. In contrast the males, who were to keep society from crumbling, were more docile and reserved. There is also much to be said for the gender shift that is occurring in modern times. Males and females are both taking jobs that were usually reserved for the opposite sex. Homosexuality and transgender issues are more and more accepted as the world comes to realize that gender does not seem to matter. Despite the growing trends, I still believe that the renaissance is the basis for all beliefs and actions we take.
As was said in Discovering the Western Past, history tells of great men and how they acted, so we can emulate them. This is precisely what we are doing. We think the way we think because that is the way our forefathers thought. As for those opposed to the notion that we are a product of our past, I pose the following: If we are indeed in the midst of a rebirth of gender roles and schemas, where did we get such a notion? Surely this idea of challenging the status quo and defining life and how we should live is a new idea. Right?
Or is it a case of history repeating itself? The evidence is the retake a look at it. Works Cited Castiglione, Baldassare. The Book of the Courtier.
Trans. Charles S. Singleton, ed. Edgar Mayhew. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1959.
Fitch, Stanley K. Child Development In The 21 st Century. Redding, California: North West Publishing, 2001.
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Research essay sample on Renaissance And Modern Gender Roles
