How have modernism and postmodernism affected society’s notions about gender identity?

Does this make a good introductory paragraph?

• My question is how do society's perception of gender roles affect one's identity? The saying goes, “little girls are made of sugar and spice while boys are made of snakes and snails and puppy dog tails,” and when generation after generation has been raised with this mentality it is small wonder that gender roles are so narrowly defined. Girls are sweet, and boys are tough, any variation comes under scrutiny, and in the past had certain stigma attached. These days social form still dictates the roles of a gender in society, however many individuals enable themselves the freedom to choose their own preferences. Sexual orientation, the roles of intersex/transgendered roles, and the feministic movement demonstrate the power behind the choice to disregard one’s true gender. But to what extent does society's perception of gender role affect one's identity? The article “Gender Roles: Behaviors and Attitudes,” by Aaron Devor emphasizes on the differentiating factors between men, and women, and how their roles are viewed in society. Another article, “How the Americans Understand the Equality of the Sexes” by Alexis de Tocqueville illustrates the defining “separate spheres” of men and women in which divides the two genders into separate categories: suitable and unsuitable. The novel Their Eyes Were Watching God by Nora Zeale Hurston offers an outlook on what happens when a woman named Janie takes charge of her gender role by using it accordingly to get what she wants, and how her community affected her quest towards spiritual freedom. An expert opinion made by Rita M. Gross, in her article “What Went Wrong?: Feminism and Freedom From the Prison of Gender Roles,” proves how gender roles affect identity by simply discussing the downside both gender roles have. Also an article “Story of My Body” by Judy Ortiz Cofer stresses on the complications of gender and class inequality. A similar article “Veiled Intentions: Don’t judge a Muslim Girl by Her Covering” by Mayan Haydar introduces how gender and religion can tie in together to create a very misleading stereotype in society and its affect on identity. In addition to all these articles, “Appearances” by Carmen Vasquez emphasizes on sexual orientation and how one is judged based on appearance and stereotypes that are placed upon genders. These readings are affiliated with the belief that one’s gender role greatly affects one’s identity, because of the socially constructed gender roles society places on men and women, which are typically defined in a spectrum form of masculinity and femininity. My thesis is at the end of the paragraph. I want to prove how society's perception does affect a persons identity and how. Any criticism is much appreciated, thanks!

• Answer:

  This opening paragraph is way too long. You might start with "Sugar and spice and all this nice, ..." and then state this has been the traditional view. You might come up with a modern version that reflects different gender roles.