Hormones and Brain Structures Within the Work Environment of Society



Are women equal when in comparison to men? Do men have an advantage when it comes to social thought, careers, and societal standing? Are women inhibited by their hormones and brain structures? Through research and understanding there is a possible explanation that may or may not lead to an answer. Dependent upon how one feels regarding present information, the questions asked can be answered in various ways. Biological factors come into play in addition to environmental and social factors; together an individual becomes one within society. Through not only physical research and evidence, but through experiences of various women, one can come to a conclusion on whether the discussed topic has a specific response intended upon society as a whole.
As Hillary Clinton endeavored with her valor in running for the presidency against the current President Obama, some members of society reacted in a demeaning manner. Some could not accept the fact that she is of female gender- even though she had many enriching positions throughout her life and was tremendously qualified for the presidency. As noted in the Denver University Law Review: “Many women believed that they had to work harder than their male counterparts to earn respect... These women performed their identities at work as efficient, hard workers because of the fear that colleagues would not take them seriously if they viewed them first as mothers and wives and second as professionals” (McGinley, 716). It seems as though women are forced into acting a certain way around the work force in order to succeed. Women like Hillary Clinton and others in high authoritative positions are required to have a façade at all times in order to reach towards equality, or at least this was noted as what many happen to abide by. According to this, a woman is looked down upon for the fact of just being a woman- if this is really true what can a woman do to overcome this? It happens to be a societal concept that women are weaker in comparison to men; only society can choose equality, as society and one’s environment make the rules in which all follow.
Anne Faustro-Sterling continues this argument by studying the biological debate. In her work it is noted that, “at the broadest political level, writers such as Berman and Goldberg raise questions about the competency of any and all females to work successfully in positions of leadership, while for women working in other types of jobs, the question is, should they receive less pay or more restricted job opportunities simply because they menstruate or experience menopause?” (Sterling, 91). It is absurd and illogical to think that women are incapable of doing something as well as men, but still particular people think in this way.  According to the above quote, women are seen as only able to take on certain roles through society because of their biological status. What does it mean for a woman to have a period- is it any different from a man having a severe headache, disturbing or interrupting his work? As a professional one must put those instances aside, leading to the impression that this circumstance would not matter or come into play.  
In the YouTube video, “Do Women Earn Less than Men”, Professor Steven Horowitz of St. Lawrence University introduces the idea of women versus men within the working environment. Four major ideas are presented to why women make only seventy-five cents to every dollar that men will make.  These ideas include- education, work expectations, part time or full time work, and if the job is interrupted by children. This video announces and explains the concept that, “the difference between men and women’s pay is not a result of labor market discrimination, but of the choices that men and women make before or after they are in the labor market” (Horwitz). This professor certainly says things as he believes they are, but could there be deeper meaning within his analysis? While women choose to take on certain jobs, is it truly their choice or the influence of society? Choosing what one will do in the future is rather different when it is a man choosing versus a woman choosing. Most men will not take time off of work to care for a newborn. Society has placed this extra job upon a woman because she has already been caring for the child in the womb. The responsibility could go to either, yet women are known to be responsible in this area because society has places this pressure upon them; either by choosing a not so demanding career, or taking time off from a demanding career.  This by no means has to do with the one’s brain size and intelligence, but by the effect of biology onto society- making society an active member in choosing what types of jobs will fit each gender best.
By further analyzing research and data; one may see that brain size was once a vital factor. As we now know the evidence once valid, no longer holds true. In the past, thinkers noted that, “opponents of higher education for women also claimed that females were less intelligent than males, an assertion based partly on brain size itself but also on the overall size difference between men and women… (because) their average size remains so much smaller, so that the sum total of food converted into thought by women can never equal the sum total of food converted into thought by men. It follows therefore, that men will always think more than women” (Sterling, 92). In the past, women were seen as less in every aspect of life due to size. It is true that women’s bodies not only tend to be smaller but brain size and skull size go along with the smaller aspect as well. In the past this was not surprisingly held with upmost regard, as the thinkers of that time were known to only speak the truth. This idea reiterates the point that society will go along with whatever ideas are popular and known- the concept of social norm, that society will follow what others follow because it is most commonly followed (Breckler, 310).  Regardless of what was thought of, it would be followed based upon the rules of society. No one wants to go against society; thus following upon what is said. Now that scientists have become more realistic, logical, and advanced within their studies- more concrete work has been introduced.
In chapter two of Jill A. Fischer’s book, “Gender and the Science of Difference”, Lesley J. Rogers gives her explanation on the fact that sex differences are not hardwired. She notes, “by contrast, interactive explanations take experience into account and consideration that during every stage of development contributors from experience, genes, and hormones interact in such complex ways that no one of these three sources influence makes an overriding contribution in determining the sex differences in behavior” (Fischer, 27). This statement goes to show that there is no proof, no validity that a woman’s biological information will influence her on factors such as behavior- which influences everything in one’s daily life. Based on previous work presented, women have been known to not have the proper behavior in the work setting and other settings included (McGinley, 718). This declaration proves the statement made by McGinley not valid, as behavior cannot be linked to either male, or female. There is no biological make up of behavior- behavior is learned through observation of others on a daily basis throughout one’s lifetime (Breckler).  One does not know behavior until coming out of the womb. Babies all act with extremely similar characteristics, they are then distinguished as time goes on- when behaviors, thoughts, and ideas area formed. Thus verifying that the environment overcomes biology within each and every individual.
Women’s hormones and brain structures have no significance when it comes to one’s career. The body has influence but does not choose and force an individual to go into a certain career path. Women can do what they please, as there is no difference between a man and a woman, other than size. It is a fact of life that men tend to be larger in comparison to women (Breckler). In jobs that involve lifting, this may be an issue, but that is what machines are for- to help move materials from one location to another. According to “Working Women In America” by Sharlene Nagy, Hesse-Biber, and Gregg Lee Carter- women must have the possibility of doing as they please due to equality. While there are jobs known to females and those known to males, that does not mean that each gender must go into the most common jobs within that particular gender (mainstream jobs). The opportunity it there, it simply must be acted upon (Nagy, 179).
Throughout thus research it has become clear as to why it is not common for women to work certain jobs. It is not because of biology or because of choice, but because of society and the environment in which one inhabits. Society places pressure upon individuals and whether conscious or unconscious thought, it appears as though others follow the guidelines that society has arranged. Women are constantly gaining equality, social positions, career status, and societal standing. This will only continue and flourish as one’s environment permits and society accepts.


Written by Daniella Stern




                                                       Works Cited

Breckler, Steven J. Social Psychology ALIVE. CA: Thomson Wadsworth, 2006. Print.
Do Women Earn Less than Men? Perf. Prof. Steven Horwitz. YouTube. YouTube, 3Aug. 2011. Web. 29 Apr. 2012.<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwogDPh-Sow>.


Fausto-Sterling, Anne. "Hormonal Hurricanes: Menstruation, Menopause, And Female Behavior." 90-122. Web. 31 May 2012.


Fisher, Jill A. Gender and the Science of Difference: Cultural Politics of Contemporary Science and Medicine. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers UP, 2011. Print.


McGinley, Ann C., "Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Obama: Performing Gender, Race, and Class on the Campaign Trail" (2009). Scholarly Works. Paper 171.
http://scholars.law.unlv.edu/facpub/171
Nagy, Sharlene, Hesse -Biber, and Gregg Lee Carter. “Working Women In America.” 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Pree, 2005. Print. Split Dreams.