Gender - Homophobic violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Gender - Homophobic violence - Essay Example nder as a social construct, these social beliefs regarding what is considered acceptable levels of feminine versus masculine behaviour can often lead to homophobic violence in the gay and lesbian community. There are considerable negative viewpoints from different groups in global society stemming from religious values and established social norms which create hostilities against homosexuals if they exhibit traits outside of their expected gender roles. This paper seeks to define the concept of gender and its relationship to rising homophobic violence. The process of creating gender role stereotypes tends to begin at the infant stage, when separate colours are used for different sexes which tends to teach girls to be submissive and passive and boys more active and independent/dominant (Bangura, 2007). During childhood developmental years, children learn gender role expectations by a system of rewards and punishments where girls often attract more attention when they exhibit coy and cute behaviour (Bangura). The child learns in these years that society is an institution in which gender role expectations and masculinity versus femininity is the foundational basis on how a person is perceived by the broader social community. Gender, therefore, is absolutely the product of the social environment and how an individual functions within or the level to which he or she conforms to these social values. Femininity is often measured by criteria such as body language and posturing, vocal elements, or submissive behaviours. Masculinity is often measured by aggressiveness and a more dominant personality. There is also a religious element behind what is driving homophobic violence, with many of these beliefs being deeply enrooted into global cultures. With these measurements in mind, problems with violence against homosexuals can be explained in relation to gender role and gender identity. Some members of society believe that being attracted to members of the opposite sex is