Gender Roles Within Families...

What are the differences between men and women? Why does society treat us so differently? What would the world be like if people were all equal?

This week I want to talk about how the family is getting attacked do to gender roles and how people are so consumed with defining or labeling people.

Have you ever heard about the E.B.E. (The Exotic Become Erotic) Model by Daryl Bem? Well I had not either until this past Thursday. Bem has created this chart that explains why people may think that they are attracted to the same- sex, but in reality it may simply be from other factors that happened throughout their life. (See chart below)

Biological Variables --> Child Temperament --> Child Preferences in Play- Typical vs. Atypical --> If they are typical then they see themselves as similar to their peers, however if they are atypical then they view themselves as different from peers --> Non- Specific Autonomic Arousal --> Attention is on Girls or Attention is on Boys --> Attention still on same- sex --> They view themselves as "Gay"

I really like this model because I think it helps explain a little more in depth why many may feel "different" as a child, which they then believe that they are attracted to the same- sex. This model helps me to see that as a child may different things are happening to you all at once. If you do not get the attention you are wanting from the same- sex at and early age you crave for the attention until you get it, however, the problem comes about when the other peers have moved onto the other sex and you are still wanting the attention from the same- sex.

Do you think children are miss interpreting how they are feeling because they do not know a lot about the changes they are going through? Or may be they just do not understand what is "wrong" with them even though there is nothing "wrong" with them? These are all questions that I do not know and do not claim to know, but would love to further look into them and may help children and families if they need it.

Personally, I believe that Bem is on to something and I am going to further look into his model and theory because there is some truth I believe to it.

Here is a link to further look into this model on your own if you would like. Now I know it is from Wikipedia, but I think it is a good place to start and branch off from there is you are truly interested. http://www.psychwiki.com/wiki/Bem's_Exotic_Becomes_Erotic_Theory

Be Kind to Others,
Gabby Smith