Do you believe that gender roles are the products of Christian patriarchy?

Question

but homosexuals are born that way?

Answer 1

I don't believe that gender roles are the products of Christian patriarchy, although I do think it has furthered them. I think there have been gender roles through antiquity, far before Christianity became a big deal.

I don't believe that homosexuality is a genetic, innate trait, but I do believe that it is something unconscious, that can not be consciously changed (i.e. you can't wake up one day and say "I think I'll start liking men. Cool!"). This can make it seem like it's genetic, but I simply don't like to believe that. I do, however, watch with interest the scientific studies and news about genetic links to homosexuality, and I am more than prepared, as the studies seem to indicate, to admit that sexual orientation is most likely a mixture of biological and social/psychological factors, not one or the other.

I don't quite understand this question- are you trying to say that homosexuality must not be biological, because we say that gender roles are social? Is that the relation you're trying to make? If it is, well, I wouldn't compare them- it's like apples and oranges. But I think both gender identity/roles and sexual orientation, like pretty much everything we do in our lives, is far more complex than "I was born that way." or "Society made me this way.". It's a complicated interaction of the two, usually.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

I believe that gender roles were defined (to a certain extent) and enforced by patriarchal society to maintain men's power and mold society to reinforce their values, beliefs (and power).
I believe that homosexuals challenge this in many ways, starting with attracting/being attracted to individuals of the same gender. This in itself challenges the patriarchal power structure. I believe that this is a positive thing. Gender, like sexuality, is fluid. Rules and definitions can be restrictive and destructive.

Answer 3

gender roles are completely manmade. society, usually pop culture, decides what is manly or masculin,vs what is ladylike, girly or feminine.. society has also deemed many doublestandards.. girls can wear ties now and it's ok, but if a guy wore a dress to work? geeze.. he'd be in trouble.

but no, i don't think christianity has anything to do with it..

more than 50% of people in my city (toronto canada) would say god or religion does not play a role in their lives, yet most would conform to so-called society norms, including gender roles..

personally, i reject the gender role i have apparently been assigned.. i am not boyish, i am not masculin, i am not manly..

Answer 4

a person's sexual orientation does not necessarily have an impact on her/his gender role. A homosexual man may be into very stereotypically manly-man pursuits, and a homosexual woman may enjoy fulfilling a very conventionally feminine gender role. these gender roles do not make them any less homosexual, just as a heterosexual woman who likes to work on cars and a heterosexual stay-at-home dad are not less heterosexual simply because they do not fit the mold of traditional gender roles.

gender roles exist across societies, cultures, and religions. they are not tied to christianity any more than they are tied to islam or any other faith.

Answer 5

I think homosexuality is partly learned.

Gender roles seem more natural, as I look at my body it almost seems as if I was built for work, so much more than my girlfriend..

In a relationship you need not be concerned what "others" are doing. Make your own rules and live your own lifestyle. Don't ever let anyone else tell you what you are doing is wrong.

Answer 6

Trying to stick to "gender roles" is unnatural. We all have different ratios of masculine/feminine components. Problems arise when sticking to these idealistic gender roles (who decided anyway?!!) when they conflict with our pre-determined masculine/feminine parts. We are ALL (Gay, Straight, Bisexual...) born "that way!" There is no escaping how our brains are pre-wired.

Answer 7

no because the same rules apply in hindu and buddhist societies. it is human nature.