A View of Systematic Gendered Repression in the...

The Water and Diamonds Paradox: A View of Systematic Gendered Repression in the Patriarchal Social Construct In economics there exists what is known as the diamond and water paradox, proposed by the great, capitalist economist Adam Smith. It is based on the idea that the total utility, or the total benefit that a person gets from the consumption of goods and services, is low for diamonds, while the marginal utility or the level of satisfaction one receives as the result of a one unit increase in the quantity of a good consumed is surprisingly high for the stones (Parkin 166). This keeps the price of the non-essential gems high and having them in ones possession enviable. However, water, which is indispensable to mankind with its†¦show more content†¦The social norms allow the control of those who conform to them both externally and internally, since they dictate outward appearance--dress, dieting, cosmetics, etc., as well as behavioral patterns and interaction. This stimulates great conflict between those who apply the rules and those who are constrained by them and realize it. The assigning of values and creation of social norms allows the social construct of deviance to emerge, and it is through a process of meaning attachment that acts or individuals are defined and labeled as deviant (Arthur 5). Deviance here would be the idea or deviation from conformity--I would not call myself a conformist, but shrink from the idea of ostracism, which is the eventual end for women who refuse to fit, at least to some extent, the ideals prescribed by society. From an early age women learn that their appearance and public persona are integral to the status that they can achieve in society. Much of what they see and hear can be construed as a message about how they are to make themselves acceptable and advance their ability to move within the boundaries of the social construct. For example, a mother who prods here daughter to exercise, may do so because she has felt or observed to backlash from divergence with norms about weight. She may believe that she is acting in the best interest of her child, when in reality she perpetuates the vicious cycle. The survival and happiness of children, as well as that ofShow MoreRelatedOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pagesand provides an advanced introduction to the heterogeneous study of organizations, including chapters on phenomenology, critical theory and psychoanalysis. Like all good textbooks, the book is accessible, well researched and readers are encouraged to view chapters as a sta rting point for getting to grips with the field of organization theory. Dr Martin Brigham, Lancaster University, UK McAuley et al. provide a highly readable account of ideas, perspectives and practices of organization. By thoroughlyRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesperspectives on the past) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-4399-0269-1 (cloth : alk. paper)—ISBN 978-1-4399-0270-7 (paper : alk. paper)—ISBN 978-1-4399-0271-4 (electronic) 1. History, Modern—20th century. 2. Twentieth century. 3. Social history—20th century. 4. World politics—20th century. I. Adas, Michael, 1943– II. American Historical Association. D421.E77 2010 909.82—dc22 2009052961 The paper used in this publication meets the requirements of the American National Standard