Expository Essay: Delusions of Gender

How much do societal stereotypes influence how we view ourselves?

In Delusions of Gender, Dr. Cordelia Fine writes:

"Some psychologists refer to whatever self is in current use—the particular self-concept chosen from the multitudes—as the active self. As the name implies, this is no passive, sloblike entity that idles unchanging day after day, week after week. Rather, the active self is a dynamic chameleon, changing from moment to moment in response to its social environment. Of course, the mind can only make use of what is available—and for each of us certain portions of the self-concept come more easily to hand than do others. But in all of us, a rather large portion of the Wardrobe of Self is taken up with the stereotypical costumes of the many social identities each person has (New Yorker, father, Hispanic American, vet, squash player, man). Who you are at a particular moment—which part of your self-concept is active—turns out to be very sensitive to context. While sometimes your active self will be personal and idiosyncratic, at other times the context will bring one of your social identities hurtling towards the active self for use. With a particular social identity in place, it would not be surprising if self-perception became more stereotypical as a result. In line with this idea, gender seems to have exactly this effect."

In a concise essay, and citing only from Delusions of Gender, 1) summarize the above statement, and 2) highlight at least two real-life examples of the ways gender stereotypes influence the active self. Again, cite only from Delusions of Gender to support your thesis.

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

The best papers will:

• Stay within the parameters of the prompt, detailing real-life examples of this concept
• Have a concise thesis that both addresses the subject matter and  contains a viable argument
• Clearly support their thesis utilizing solid evidence presented in a logical structure
• Properly cite evidence from Delusions of Gender using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Conclude with a summation of the main points
• Be formatted according to MLA Style 

Due: Thursday, Sept. 20th