How marriage is an expression of cultural norms and values
This discussion includes two topics: marriage and sex/gender. You will compose your initial post based on the scenario assigned to you in the chart below. In your peer responses, you will respond to one peer assigned to the same scenario as you and another peer assigned to the other scenario.
First Letter of Last Name
Assigned Scenario for Initial Post
A–K
Scenario A: Marriage
L–Z
Scenario B: Sex/Gender
Scenario A: Marriage
Two friends, Taylor and Alex, are enjoying dessert after a show at the local arts theater. Taylor draws your attention to a very cozy couple at a table in the corner. "I wonder what show they watched," Taylor says with a smirk. You gasp and report that you know the woman (she is your neighbor), but the man is not her husband. "Maybe they're in an open relationship," Taylor remarks nonchalantly.
Compose your initial post as if you are Taylor. In your initial post, be sure to do the following:
Explain how marriage is an expression of cultural norms and values.
Describe at least two different forms of marriage.
Apply the principles of cultural relativism.
Scenario B: Sex/Gender
You and a friend, Elliott, are enjoying your conversation at a local coffee shop when you both take a bathroom break. You arrive at the two bathroom doors and see each door labeled with the sign below.
All-Gender Restroom.
Upon returning to the table, Elliott remarks, "What's up with those bathrooms? Women should use the women's room and men should use the men's room." You decide to take this opportunity to share what you have learned about sex and gender.
Compose your initial post as if you were responding to your friend, Elliott. In your initial post, be sure to do the following:
Distinguish sex and gender.
Describe at least two different ways that gender identity is expressed; include at least one way that gender identity is expressed in your culture and at least one-way gender identity is expressed in another culture.
Apply the principles of cultural relativism.
Sample Solution
Scenario A: Marriage and Cultural Norms
Hey everyone, so Taylor here! Alex and I were just discussing that super cute couple we saw at the theater, and it got me thinking about marriage. It's interesting how marriage is such a universal concept, but it takes on so many different forms depending on the culture, right?
Marriage is definitely an expression of cultural norms and values. In our society, it often signifies a lifelong commitment between two people, usually a man and a woman. It's seen as a way to build a family unit and share a life together. But that's just our way of doing things!
Full Answer Section
There are tons of other forms of marriage around the world. Polygamy, for example, is the practice of having multiple spouses, and it's legal in some cultures. In some parts of Africa, there's a tradition of bridewealth, where the groom's family presents gifts to the bride's family. Arranged marriages, where families choose spouses for their children, are also practiced in some cultures.
Thinking about all these different forms of marriage makes me realize how important cultural relativism is. We can't judge other cultures based on our own standards. What might seem strange to us could be perfectly normal and accepted in another society.
So, back to that couple at the theater. Maybe they are in an open relationship, like you suggested, Alex. Or maybe they're practicing a form of marriage that we're not familiar with. Who knows? The important thing is that it works for them!
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