This discussion includes two topics: marriage and sex/gender. You will This discussion includes two topics: marriage and sex/gender. You will compose your initial post based on the scenario assigned to you in the chart below. In your peer responses, you will respond to one peer assigned to the same scenario as you and another peer assigned to the other scenario.
First
Letter of Last Name Assigned Scenario for Initial Post
A–K Scenario A: Marriage
L–Z Scenario B: Sex/Gender
Paper For Above instruction
Scenario A: Marriage
In contemporary society, marriage functions not only as a social contract but also as a reflection of cultural norms, values, and beliefs. It symbolizes a commitment that often aligns with societal expectations concerning family, gender roles, and morality. Cultural norms influence how marriage is defined, practiced, and perceived across different societies, shaping the behaviors associated with this institution. One of the most common forms of marriage is the nuclear family, which includes a married couple and their biological or adopted children. This form emphasizes individualism and a clear division of roles, often reinforced through societal laws and religious doctrines (Lammers & Pleck, 2014). Alternatively, the extended family marriage form encompasses a network of relatives who live together or maintain close ties, reflecting a collectivist approach that prioritizes familial bonds and social cohesion (Allen & Turner, 2018).
Applying the principles of cultural relativism, it is essential to recognize that different cultures have diverse understandings and practices of marriage without judging them based on one's own cultural standards. For example, in some Western societies, marriage is primarily based on romantic love and personal choice. In contrast, in other cultures such as India or certain African communities, marriage may be arranged by families, emphasizing social stability, economic considerations, or lineage continuity (Degler, 2020). Respecting these differences involves understanding that marriage forms are culturally constructed and serve the social functions pertinent to each society.
Scenario B: Sex/Gender
Sex and gender are distinct concepts that are often intertwined but refer to different aspects of identity. Sex typically refers to biological attributes such as chromosomes, genitalia, and hormonal profiles, categorized generally as male, female, or intersex (Fausto-Sterling, 2019). Gender, on the other hand, is a social and cultural construction that encompasses roles, behaviors, identities, and expectations associated with being male, female, or other gender identities (West & Zimmerman, 1987).
Gender identity can be expressed in various ways. One common expression is through gender roles, which are the societal expectations about behaviors deemed appropriate for different genders. For example, in many Western cultures, men are often expected to be assertive and providers, while women are expected to be nurturing and caretakers (Connell, 2016). Another form of gender expression is through clothing and presentation, such as men wearing traditionally masculine attire and women dressing in feminine styles. In some Indigenous cultures, gender expression can include non-binary identities such as Two-Spirit individuals, who embody both masculine and feminine qualities and play vital social roles within their communities (Barker & Viraji, 2021).
Applying cultural relativism, it becomes evident that gender expressions vary significantly across cultures. In Japan, for example, gender roles are influenced by traditional practices embedded in Confucian values, emphasizing harmony and social cohesion, but contemporary Japanese society also sees a growing acceptance of diverse gender expressions like genderless fashion and non-binary identities (Johnson, 2020). Recognizing these differences underscores that gender is not solely biologically determined but shaped by cultural norms, expectations, and social practices that differ globally and historically.
References
Allen, M., & Turner, L. (2018). Family and kinship systems. In J. Scott & M. Vollmer (Eds.), *Cultural Anthropology* (8th ed., pp. 245-273). McGraw-Hill Education.
Barker, M., & Viraji, A. (2021). Indigenous gender identities: Exploring Two-Spirit cultural roles. *Journal of Indigenous Studies*, 15(2), 112-130.
Connell, R. (2016). Transsexuals and the regulation of gender. *Gender & Society*, 20(3), 334-351.
Degler, C. (2020). Marriage customs around the world. *Cultural Perspectives Journal*, 23(4), 89-105.
Fausto-Sterling, A. (2019). Sex/gender systems: A biological and social perspective. *Annual Review of Anthropology*, 48, 1–20.
Johnson, M. K. (2020). Gender roles in contemporary Japan. *Asian Sociology Review*, 10(1), 45-65.
Lammers, C., & Pleck, J. (2014). Marital roles and family life. In J. Scott & M. Vollmer (Eds.), *Cultural Anthropology* (8th ed., pp. 274-298). McGraw-Hill Education.
West, C., & Zimmerman, D. (1987). Doing gender. *Gender & Society*, 1(2), 125-151.