Gender and culture are closely connected. Culture decides how men and women are expected to behave, and gender also affects how culture changes over time. To understand this better, we need to know some important terms.
Gender
Gender refers to the roles, behaviours, and expectations that society assigns to people based on whether they are seen as male or female. It is different from biological sex because it is created by culture and can change over time. For example, society may expect men to be strong and not show emotions, while women are expected to be caring and gentle. However, these roles are not natural or fixed. Today, many people challenge these ideas, and both men and women are free to choose their own identities, careers, and ways of living.
Culture
Culture means the way of life of a group of people. It includes their beliefs, values, traditions, language, and customs. Culture teaches people what is considered right or wrong. It also decides gender roles. For example, in many societies, women are expected to do household work, while men are expected to earn money.
Modernity
Modernity refers to the changes that occur in society due to development, education, and technology. It often questions old traditions. For example, in today’s society, many women study, work, and become independent. At the same time, modern life can also create pressure, as women are expected to manage both job and family.
Consumption
Consumption means using goods and services. It is connected to gender because products are often made and sold differently for men and women. For example, cosmetics and jewellery are mainly advertised to women, while cars and electronic gadgets are often advertised to men. This shows how society connects certain products with gender.
Sexual Economics
Sexual economics explains relationships between men and women as a kind of exchange. In some cultures, women’s beauty or sexuality is valued, and men are expected to provide money or protection. For example, in traditional marriage, a man is often expected to be financially strong, while a woman is expected to be modest and caring.
Commodity Culture
Commodity culture is a culture in which everything is treated as something to be bought and sold. Even gender roles are shown through products and advertisements. For example, ads may show women as slim and fair, and men as strong and powerful. These images influence how people see themselves.
Gender and culture influence each other. Culture shapes gender roles, and societal changes can alter them. Understanding these ideas helps us see how gender is created and how it can change to build a better, more equal society.
WORKS CITED
Wharton, Amy S. The Sociology of Gender: An Introduction to Theory and Research. Blackwell Publishing, 2005.
“Gender and Tribe – Tribal Cultures of India.” eGyanKosh, Indira Gandhi National Open University,
https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/65429/1/Unit-8.pdf
Dr Aswathy Aravindakshan is a teacher, bilingual writer and artist with over two decades of experience in teaching English language and literature. She currently serves as Assistant Professor of English at NSS College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Her blog, ashlit.in brings together academic resources, creative writing in Malayalam and English, and visual art. The platform features lecture notes, study materials, poems, reflections, short prose, and a curated collection of her paintings. Through this space, she seeks to foster learning, creativity, and meaningful engagement with literature and the arts.
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