1. Describe our cultural gender stereotypes, objectification, and media representations of women and how these lead to violence against women. Gender refers to the psychological characteristics and social categories created by human culture. Gendering is the concept that humans express their gender when interacting with each other; this is done every day without thinking about it. Messages about how a man or woman is supposed to act come from countless places. According to Helen M. Eigenberg in Woman Battering in the United States, “gender construction begins with the assignment of a sex category based on the appearance of the genitals at birth. Then babies are dressed or decorated to display the category, because parents don't want to be constantly asked whether their baby is a girl or a boy” (2001, p. 32). Schools, parents and friends influence a person. The treatment of one sex differs from that of another. Gender roles are also changing. Television is another major factor that influences millions of impressionable women and men. Not only does television teach each gender how to act, but it also shows how one gender should expect the other gender to act. In today's television broadcasting, stereotypical behavior ranges from programs aimed at exceptionally young audiences to adults. In this range of diffusion, women are presented as maternal, passive, and innocent sexual objects, or they are completely neglected or considered unimportant entities. In the United States, as well as in the majority of countries around the world, people are bombarded with advertisements, advertisements and articles daily. Information is used to attract the masses. The society perpetuates violence against women through the medium of paper, forcing villagers to carry their food, ammunition and equipment into the jungle. Women cannot even go to the market without being grabbed by the throat and raped. Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, rape, etc. intersect. Many forms of violence are used in combination with each other to establish power and control over the victim. Additionally, gender stereotypes, objectification, media portrayal of women, and victim blaming are increasing and causing the use of violence against women. Works Cited Eigenberg, H. (2001). Battered women in the United States. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press, Inc. Herbert, B. (August 7, 2009). Women in danger. The New York Times, p. A19-A20. Russell, D. (1993). Pornography causes violence. Against pornography: proof of harm (p. 149-151). Berkeley, CA: Russell Publications.