2. How Gender Perceptions Determine Structures and Strategies 2.1 Example: Family and gender perceptions The various perceptions of gender – also called“gender constructions” in the academic discussion – have relevant effects on views of the family. The following overviews show the gender constructions on which different views of the family are based. Dimensions of Gender gender desire sex Views of the family according to traditional gender constructions dual polar hierarchical The family comprises one provider and a caring mother. Family is the female counter-realm to the male realm; it is a place to recuperate from the stress of the outside world. The man is the head of the family, the provider role of the man is the basis of the family. The family is based on The man desires. The the desire of a man for woman receives. one woman for the rest of their lives. The desire of a man is natural and a woman must subjugate herself to it Sexual violence in the family is considered a private problem. The physical functions of siring(fatherhood) and bearing (motherhood) are constitutive for the family. The family unites the contrary physical functions of male and female to produce a child. The physical function of“birthing” is ground for dependence, the physical functions of “siring” is not. 14