Psychology assignment 2633

              Helgeson (2017) stated that there are ethnic and cultural differences in the attitudes towards men’s and women’s gender roles. In fact, attitudes toward gender roles are more traditional in other cultures than the United States. One of these countries that follow the traditional gender roles is China.             Asian culture is centered on Confucian beliefs.  They are focus on group based rituals and norms and on the welfare of the group (North & Fiske, 2015). There is an emphasis on family rather than the individual (Helgeson, 2018). On the other hand, western societies concentrate on individualism and independence (North & Fiske, 2015). Women are seen as inferior to men and are obedient to their fathers, husbands, and sons (Helgeson, 2017). They are less likely to work outside of the home and their education is geared toward becoming suitable partners and mothers instead. However, recent research indicates that the rapid modernization due to migration between Vietnam and China is leading to a change in the stereotypes of women in China (Huang, 2017). Specifically, women are becoming labor opportunity seekers and some are making more money than their husbands. Additionally, they are marrying for happiness instead of family obligation (Huang, 2017). Women are increasing in value due to their ability to maintain multiple relationships, contribute to the status of the family, and fulfill economic, social, organizational, religious, and family obligations. They are representing self-empowerment and this has led to the daughter’s role in a family as improving, as well (Huang, 2017).             There is an emphasis on filial peity, which is a philosophy of respect for one’s family, parents, and elders. Thus, the elderly are revered and honored in China. They are integrated as part of the community and family system and seen to offer wisdom and life experience. Clady-Giramma (2011) stated that the Chinese elderly are surrounded by their family. They become residents with their grown children, usually the eldest married son (Lui, Xiao, Cai, & Li, 2015). This adds additional responsibility to women, who are to provide the main home support, as they venture out to work (Huang, 2017).             Men also are viewed differently based on gender stereotype in China. Considering the culture is centered on community rather than individualism, the communal trait is strong in both males and females (Yu & Xie, 2008). It does not matter one’s sex, group membership influences oneself in the Eastern cultures (Yu & Xie, 2008). Men are described as more responsive to the needs of others. Actually, the traits of interdependent, cooperative, and having values of poetry, rituals, and music are considered typical of Chinese men while men in the United States are described as independent and athletic (Helgeson, 2018). They are encouraged to develop interpersonal relationships and warm and affectionate traits are more preferred for males in China (Yu & Xie, 2008).             Considering these differences in gender stereotypes, the Chinese Sex Role Inventory was developed instead of using the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). Interestingly, on a study by Jie, Norvilitis, & Shenghuen (2001) in which Chinese and American college students were administered the BSRI, the Chinese men were less male oriented and the Chinese women were less female oriented. This was thought to be due to moderation being highly valued in Confucian philosophy or that it was based on American standards.     References Clady-Giramma, K. (2011). In China the elderly are honored and admired. Current Controversies: The Elderly, 2011. Helgeson, V.C. (2017). Psychology of gender (5th Ed.). New York, NY: Taylor and Francis. Huang, P. (2017). Dependent or breadwinner? Vietnamese brides reshaping gender roles at the China- Vietnam border. The Journal of Chinese Sociology, 4, 16-33. Jie, Z., Norvilitis, J., & Shenghuen, J. (2001). Measuring gender orientation with the Bem sex role inventory in Chinese culture. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research,     44(34), 237-251. North, M. & Fiske, S. (2015). Modern attitudes toward older adults in the aging world: A  cross cultural meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 141(5), 993-1021. Yu, L. & Xie, D. (2008). The relationship between desirable and undesirable gender traits and their implications for psychological well-being in Chinese culture.            Personality and Individual Differences, 44, 1517-1527.

 

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