It seems as if every year I am assigned to read at least one piece of literature surrounding the issue of gender inequalities while understanding the repercussions on the individual and society. This instance, the timing is quite remarkable as my analysis of “The Myth of Male Decline” by Stephanie Coontz, comes after a weekend with the boys and an afternoon of watching football. Why is it remarkable? Because the capitalist processes behind a single football game is a microcosm for the reasons why gender inequalities exist in society.
At first, I thought this article was going to be consecutive statistics listed without any subsequent socioeconomic analysis by the author. However, I was proved wrong and have strong agreements with many of the points the author makes regarding current trends surrounding gender and the workplace. This article seemed quite déjà vu to the book Guyland by Michael Kimmel, which revolves around the analysis of how growing up as a boy in society has become more complex and confusing in the new social world where men are structured.
As Coontz points out, the issue with men now is that we face this gender mystique. One result is that this mystique leads to harassment and ostracism of boys who engage in non-manly activities. Coontz states, “Now men need to liberate themselves from the pressure to prove their masculinity.” The gender roles for men not only promote social mobility, but lately tend to hinder the career moves due to peer judgment.
On the other hand, I personally think women need to liberate themselves from the sole proposition that good-looks and sex sell. Women who have recognized this trend in society have intelligently used this mentality for self-improvement. BUT, it creates a stereotype for the rest of the women in society and places them in a certain line of work that requires a particular feminine charisma.
This is rather noticeable from the NFL game currently broadcasted on national television. Through the variety of commercials, attractive women take over the marketing schemes to target the majority audience of men. The panel of analysts and experts are all men who evaluate the “man’s game.” Female reporters seem limited to the on-field analysis and brief professional interviews. Cheerleaders are all hyping up the crowd cheering on their “men”.
One source Coontz cited was an NYU sociologist Paula England. She believes that “most women, despite earning higher grades, seem to be educating themselves for occupations that systematically pay less.” This stems from the gender roles and career routes women have been guided toward. There are “manly” professions where women are not seen as credible in the workforce…so why enter? Men typically like to deal with men. I don’t remember the last time I heard a business deal between a man and woman was discussed one afternoon on the golf course.
We are raised from birth to put on a certain face in society. The stereotypes and gender roles are a self-fulfilling prophecy. I am a lacrosse player at Gettysburg College and some of my best friends play for the women’s team. Why doesn’t the NCAA strap helmets and gloves onto the women and allow a full contact game?