Myths exist in all aspects of culture. In this discussion, we’ll be looking at gender roles—generally accepted assumptions about males and females.

Read more about Erving Goffman

Read more about Mary Pipher

Sociologist Erving Goffman critiqued the limitations and expectations for American males: “In an important sense there is only one complete unblushing male in America: a young, married, white, urban, northern, heterosexual, Protestant, father, of college education, fully employed, of good complexion, weight, and height, and a recent record in sports . . . any man who fails to qualify in any one of these ways is likely to view himself—during moments at least—as unworthy, incomplete, and inferior.”

Psychologist Mary Pipher argues America is poisoning girls with pressures to maintain difficult standards of beauty and behavior. She says, “Adolescence is when girls experience social pressure to put aside their authentic selves and to display only a small portion of their gifts.”

First, do you see these definitions as accurate or inaccurate? Why or why not? How are these perceptions perpetuated?

Next, do a little research and investigate how other cultures define gender roles. Cite at least one source as you compare Goffman and Pipher’s definitions of gender roles with those of another culture.