Q. 1 - Gender sameness and difference
The U.S. society has historically held patriarchal notions, meaning our society has been structured around the male sex as having the positions of power and authority in the society. In this discussion you will consider the status of patriarchy per the Johnson reading which explains that patriarchy in any society has three components: 1) male-dominated 2) male-identified and 3) male-centered.
For this discussion question, select any one of these components of patriarchy and explain its relation to American society. Then also consider how the component of patriarchy you selected supports Lorber's claims that gender discrimination is organized around both "sameness" and "difference."
Q. 2 - Inventing Sexuality
Katz describes the "invention of heterosexuality" over the course of time and U.S. social views, looking specifically at what for a long time has been considered a "natural" part of human sexuality and social values related to romance, love, and relationships. For this discussion question, select one of the time periods Katz analyzes to discuss.