Summarize the critical evaluation of symbolic interactionist perspectives on gender and sexuality.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. Despite their contributions, interactionists have been criticized for ignoring the social structures that create maintain, or change gender roles  or gender inequality. A large majority of childless 18- to 32-year-olds hope to share earnings and household/caregiving responsibilities equally with their future partners. An equal division of labor is unlikely, however, because current U.S. workplace and government policies do not support women's and men's balancing work and family life. Interactionists emphasize that language, erotic images, and other symbols evoke sexual interest or desire, but they neglect the relationship between biological factors and sexual orientation.  Interactionism does not explain why siblings, even identical twins-who are socialized similarly-may have different sexual orientations. A related weakness is that interactionists do not explain why, historically and currently, women around the world are considerably more likely than men to be subjected to sexual control and exploitation. Such analyses require macro-level analyses that examine family, religious, political, and economic institutions.