Gender is…one of the most effective means of social control. From birth we are enculturated into a dual gender system, reinforced by all the major institutions. (Ramet 43). Without some type of societal control, the world would consist of pure anarchy. It is crucial for society to set up boundaries and categories so that people can make sense of the world. Unfortunately, with these provisions also comes a denial of self-hood and individualism. For both …showed first 75 words of 1224 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1224 total…clear, either Helene was to be brought up in an environment of the slut, or in the environment of Virgin Mary. Helene was brought up in the ‘proper’ surroundings, and ensured that her daughter, Nel, was as well. Helene made sure that her daughter did not inherit any of her grandmother’s ‘evil blood’, and was relieved that Nel looked more homely than beautiful. Up until Nel met Sula, she was “obedient and polite” (Morrison 18).