Modern Day American Society By Aaron Devor s Bros...

The word patriarchy is rarely openly used to describe modern day American society, yet it is the root of all gender relations. The widely accepted notion that men naturally evolved to become the superior sex is a myth. Aaron Devor’s â€Å"Becoming Members of Society: Learning the Social Meanings of Gender,† and Michael Kimmel’s â€Å"Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code,† both argue that the gender hierarchy America has been built upon is the product of socialization. Devor s essay, written more like a research paper, focuses on explaining the origins of the gender myth through well-researched scientific evidence and logos. To reflect his writing style, he mainly talks about the physical effects this has had on male and female characteristics. In his†¦show more content†¦He helps his audience see how easy it is to naturally assume that dominance is the stronger trait, when in fact all characteristics are neutral. Society determines which characteristics are positive, negative, stronger or weaker. Devor uses scientific research to show how society’s definition of male and female characteristics â€Å"flow inevitably from evolutionary and biological sources.† (Devor 476). He argues that â€Å"feminine characteristics are thought to be intrinsic to the female facility for childbirth and breastfeeding,† forcing them to be more passive, attentive and communal. This, along with the female’s â€Å"‘natural’ dependency on men for the maintenance of the mother-child unit† gives them the title of â€Å"weaker sex† (Devor 476). Devor’s research clarifies that, from a strictly scientific perspective, men and women harbor a mutualistic relationship where the man must protect the woman, who is critically responsible for the birth and maintenance of his offspring. From a biological perspective, the two possess complementary character traits, making them equally important variables in t his genetic relationship. Yet, somewhere along the lines, this evolutionary relationship seeped into modern day society, introducing the belief that the female social position is â€Å"biologically mandated to be intertwined with the care of children and a ‘natural dependency on men† (476). The modern