Gender Identity

The focus of chapter seven was on relationships and chapter eight focused on overcoming traditional gender roles. As usual the chapters operate by first identifying problems typically encountered on the subject, and then inviting the reader to reflect on their own experienced with said problems. One of the primary focuses of chapter seven was healthy confrontation and anger management in relationships. While two people may proudly exclaim "We've never been in a fight!" the book holds that that does not necessarily mean that they don't have problems. Depending on our past, we all have different views of what conflict is; the book holds that most people try to avoid conflict. Rather than simply avoiding conflict, we should discuss our issues with our partner and try to resolve them. The meat and potatoes of the chapter is on how to hold a healthy discussion, paraphrasing: we should truly listen to one another, suspend judgment and try to forgive one another.

Chapter eight identified different cultural stereotypes of traditional gender roles, and discussed how these can negatively impact our well-being. How men "supposed" to be stoic, aloof, and silently provide for their family. How women "should" be subservient, and passive and should always put family before their careers. The book suggests that these gender roles, when defined too ridigly, and restrict a persons growth and cause emotional turmoil throughout life. The book suggests that we search our self and find a balance between our masculine and feminine qualities rather than only exposing one half of our psyche.

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