Riya Vaishnav
04/12/2023
Intro to Sociology
Prof. Liss
Gender & Sexuality
1. What is an example of resistance to gender norms and/or gender inequality and why? The
example may be from the news, current events, and/or social media (including Youtube).
Use an example that is different from those presented in the slides. Use at least one piece
of supporting evidence to justify why your example fits the theories. Include links and
citations. A common example of resistance to gender norms and gender inequality is
the #ME TOO movement. This movement was organized in order for women to
speak out against sexual assault and harassment. It has brought attention to how
widespread sexual harassment and assault are as well as the patriarchal attitudes
that support and maintain these practices. A theory that applies to is the feminist
theory. The feminist theory argues that "women should enjoy the same rights as
men." (MTSU). However, some men think the world is run by them and women are
inferior. The movement emphasizes how sexual harassment and assault can be
impacted by the interconnections of gender inequality with other types of
oppression, such as race and class.
2. Michael Kimmel (author of Guyland) argued that suburban, youth, male subcultures (aka
“guyland”) are characterized by gender inequality and the desire to prove masculinity
(see the assigned reading and slides for more information). Using two pieces of evidence
from Guyland (Kimmel 2008) and/or Slides 15-27, to what extent do you agree or
disagree with Kimmel’s arguments in Guyland? If you disagree with Kimmel, what
arguments do you find more persuasive (such as those of the Men’s Rights movement,
Casey Jay Links to an external site., or Jordan Peterson Links to an external site.)? Note
that for full credit, you will need two pieces of evidence from Guyland (Kimmel 2008)
and/or Slides 15-27. Include links and citations, particularly for supporting evidence. I
fully understand Kimmel’s claims in Guyland and definitely support his argument
that men want to portray masculinity. Growing up with brothers and sisters, I
understood how during puberty and adulthood, my brothers always wanted to be
with their friends to prove that they wanted “to be guys with each other, unhassled
by the demands of parents, girlfriends, jobs, kids, and the other nuisances in life" is
enjoyable. (Guyland). They did not want any outside influences when it was just the
“boys” hanging. Some of my college friends now have girlfriends so if they try to
spend time with their girlfriends, it would seem like my friends are being neglected
and now portray less masculinity. In society, men are supposed to be “protectors
and providers” (Guyland) and balancing these two traits can become extremely
