A Social Experiment on Sex and Gender: Are Pressures to Conform Fewer for Men?

Many people use the terms "sex" and "gender" interchangeably. Others do not. For me, "sex" refers to physical characteristics - reproductive organs. "Gender," then, is used to distinguish psychological traits - behaviors. This means at least two things: First, there are more than two sexes; second, gender is learned.

Everyone knows of the existence of hermaphrodites, but this truth is largely ignored by society. Acknowledging their being would further complicate an already complex social world. Most are simply not ready for this. How would we to treat those with both male and female sexual organs? What expectations could our society create for yet another category of gender?

A few years ago, during my freshman year of college, I decided to take "Intro to Women's Studies" for one of my social science credits (well, actually, for three.) I can't remember if I had been told good thing about the course, or whether I just happened upon the description whilst browsing the schedule of courses. I think it was the latter. Although, I guess in the grand scheme of things, that detail isn't important.

However, the decision proved to be one of great significance in the forming of my entire educational experience, as I had thrust myself into a world of absolute wonder. The discussions that existed within this newfound environment were both truthful and insightful. They made me question why I had never previously been subject to the teachings of this atmosphere.

Everything made sense, and it was as though I was discovering an alternate realm of possibility into which very few put stock, but which, despite this prior fact, speaks volumes about the whole of our society. Studying there not only provides access to the theories of others, but also, and perhaps more importantly, unlocks the tools inside each inhabitant to create his or her own.

My first test came rather early in my trip.

Provided with a selection of experiments from which to choose, I decided to write about my experience as the alternate gender. (Now, remember, gender means behavior.) For one day, I would see through the eyes of a man. (To quickly clarify: sex = fe/male; gender = wo/man.) Looking back upon this experience, which at the time seemed so insightful, I now find only errors in implementation.

I began with my attire. For some reason, I decided to dismiss all ideas about matching my clothes. I know men who have much better style than that which I possess, but I thought taking "the extreme" would provide a much more inclusive experience. I slouched in the dining hall; I burped when I felt the need; I spit on the sidewalk.

The purpose was to note how others acted toward me in accordance with my "newly inherited" behaviors. I received a few odd looks, but nothing that would prove to be conclusive evidence of an altered treatment.

Of course, these actions and decisions are all stereotypes generalizing "man." (Ironically, men are deemed manner-less.) The encasing of such a wide open field is one of the things I dislike most about "reality" (to distinguish "the world" from "the feminist's world" of which I previously spoke). Yet there I was, doing exactly that which I loathe.

In scientific terms, I failed. Luckily, although I didn't realize it at the time, this wasn't the test. Although they may seem fairly straightforward, mostly all social science projects have an infinite number of correct answers. The real assessment is how perceptive the students allow themselves to become.

Back then, I thought I had discovered an easier existence - no social pressures became strikingly similar to heaven. But then again, I was still thinking from a woman's perspective: "Burp when I feel the need." How great is that, right? I assumed my disobedience to society's expectations of women had no relation to those of men. In doing this, I incorrectly believed men are entirely relieved from social pressures when, in actuality, the pressures placed upon men are just different from those women face.

My failure lied in my inability to understand a man's experience and my belief that I could mimic the learning of a lifetime (or at least the years preceding one's entrance into college). I've never had to deal with man's pressures because I have always been treated as a woman. Whereas at the time, I believed I had discovered this worry-free world, I now realize my blunder.

It is impossible to truly live as a man for one day -- to pick and choose which behaviors I will embrace. Acting is far different from being. And since I never was, nor will I ever be, a man, it now seems rather pompous to believe I, as an outsider, could somehow experience the opposite gender when my entire being up until this point has molded me to think, to act, and ultimately to be