How gender conceptions developed and changed during the period of Research Paper

How gender conceptions developed and changed during the period of Jacksonian America - Research Paper Example Therefore, any attempt to fully understand the development of America’s societal history must take into account the changes that occurred during these years. This seems especially true when considering the notion of gendered identity of both males and females in the public and private spheres that have determined much of the history of American family, educational, and societal life. Because Jackson’s presidency occurred during a time when the industrial and transportation revolutions were just beginning in the US, and were characterized by expansions and alterations of expectations among the various classes that made up the American social, political, and economic scenes, the ways that men and women came to view their roles in American life during this early birth of modernization are important to review. This brief paper will consider how gendered identities came to be established among men and women during the Jacksonian period, in light of the other social, economic , and religious changes that occurred. ... When discussing issues of gender, it is important to point out that there are varying definitions and ideas surrounding the term, and that changes have occurred over time regarding what it means. Many people hear the word â€Å"gender† and automatically think it signifies simply â€Å"male† or â€Å"female.† However, the terms â€Å"male† and â€Å"female† are actually categories of sex, not gender, and refer to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women. The word â€Å"gender† more appropriately refers to the socially-constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a society considers appropriate for both men and women. Characteristics of gender are based mainly on attributes that are considered either â€Å"masculine† or â€Å"feminine.† (Rubin 1975). These attributes are greatly influenced by the religious, economic, cultural and political aspects that make up a given society. The ways in which various elements within society function and interact with one another is a key factor in establishing these roles. Due to the fact that gender conception is socially determined, these roles and their interpretations are subject to change. For example, Dorsey (2002) argues that during much of early American history the concept of gender emphasized the differences in societal roles between men and women, and in fact, much evidence exists which suggests that gender conceptions during the time of Jacksonian America were largely focused on the different social roles and duties of both men and women (Welter 1966, Johnson 1880). However, recent interpretive views of gender, argues Dorsey, take into account the influences of economic class, religious

Texas Government analytical research paper Essay

Texas Government analytical research paper - Essay Example Some would say that it is fear that makes them forgo any sense of reason, or rational, when they decide that this is their only best option in their quest to enter the country through any means. Through the mainstream news media, the immigration debate is a hotly discussed topic and is ever more so during election time. Observation would note that the states that see the biggest influx of immigration include California, Arizona, New Mexico and lastly Texas. During election time, politicians set out to achieve the highest office in the land and parade about the country, all the while detailing how they and they alone can fix the ailments for the country and its people. With two of the biggest political contests also being two of the states that deal with immigration issues on a daily basis, immigration itself has grown into one of the biggest discussed issues during both the primaries, as well as the general election cycle. With Americans nervous on a daily basis about their own job security and the welfare of their families, the illegal immigration debate is something that they take very personally. As the 2008 Presidential election continues, it is imperative to observe how the mainstream candidates plan to conquer this problem. The best way to do that is to not only listen to their public speeches on the matter, but to also observe their written statements, or "agendas", that are published on their online campaign websites. Most would argue that this election year is a year of firsts. Either the first woman President, the first African American President, or the oldest ever elected President will be the result of this election year. Hillary Rodham Clinton has been in the political mindset for many going back to her husband's 1992 Presidential campaign. After her husband left office in 2001, she began a career in the United Sates Senate as a representative for the citizens of New York. Even before she officially entered the race, many had contemplated and theorized as to when, if ever, Mrs. Clinton would in fact fun for the highest elected office in the nation. After looking at the mainstream candidates who are working tirelessly to achieve the highest office in the land, it is also important to assess the methods which are being taken by the local, as well as state level government, to go about the issue of immigration. Before doing so, one would have to understand the costs of the illegal immigration to the citizens of the state of Texas. To do that, the group FAIR, or the Federation for American Immigration Reform, in their online report writes that, "Analysis of the latest Census data indicates Texas's illegal immigrant population is costing the state's taxpayers more than 4.7 billion per year for education, medical care, and incarceration. Even if the estimated tax contributions of illegal immigrant workers are subtracted, net outlays still amount to more than 3.7 billion per year. The annual fiscal burden amounts to $725 per Texas household headed by a native-born resident," ("FAIR" p.1). An idea to be brought forward to the bargaining table would be the introduction of new laws to deal with the issue of illegal immigration and its impact of native citizens. As another state that deals with the issue of illegal immigrants within its own borders, the California-based newspaper the San Francisco Chronicle, in an article written