THE CONSTRUCTION OF GENDER - AN ANALYSIS OF MENS TALK ON GENDER

The construction of gender and gender interactions is examined through the discourse of men's only groups. Two discourses are identified: Ge nder as Social Norm and Gender as Natural. These discourse can be seen , through rhetorical strategies, to construct gender in ways that are problematic for women. Of particular concern is the finding that the d iscourses and explanations used to construct gender generally are the same as those used to explain, and justify, gender aggression. This fi nding and some of it's implications are discussed.