What I'm up to, and some thoughts.

I thank god for all the good people in my life. And I pray that he'll continue to place good people in my life.

I had been busy with schoolwork and training. Doing my best for both is my objective, for the rest of this month and next month. Just did some revision on Managerial Economics and ESAP. Topics I've revised.

ME:

Chapter 7: Production, factor demand and costs

Chapter 8: Labour economics,

Chapter 11: Oligopoly (Cournot, Stackelberg and Monopolist models)

And a little bit on Chapter 1

ESAP:

Attitude and behavior

Gender in the workplace.

Prelims will finish before the tournament. And I'm trying to revise as much as I can and try to sit through the papers. Been training hard too.

I like to do what I like and am good at. So, when I'm very focused on my goal, I like people to understand that, that is my goal. So, if there's some accidents, rest assured it's not what I've meant for it to. You just know you have to execute that kick, when there's an opportunity.

How to become a champion? You have to have good instructors, inspiration, passion and strong desire to win in you. Not to forget, clocking hours and hours of arduous training. Want to be better? You just have to train with people who are better.

Training is good. You tune your skills, do what you love and also know that you've taken care of your well being when you sweat it all out. I absolutely like being in an environment that is positive and supportive.

When I don't talk, it's either I'm very focused on the task ahead, or I'm in a slightly defensive mode. I appreciate people who know that. Other than that, I'm very happy if I have something to share.

Happy couples have the capability to do small little things for each other, and enjoying the process of being close to each other. It's really not overly fancy PDA stuffs. And I think that's a learning point for myself. According to John Grey, women keep scores this way: a small thing scores a point and a big thing scores another point. So do many small things, score many points. Just kidding. But yea, I think it's an important ingredient. No need for greater elaboration, and I am really happy to see these qualities.

Romance can be easy. A few candles from IKEA, some food/home cooked food, little written notes (what's more unique than your own hand writing?), and a nice quiet big place. And of course, garnishing up a little on special occasions makes great bonuses.

I think chivalry is alive. You just have to search and observe.

So what's the difference between sex and gender?

Sex refers to the biological aspects of being male or female.

Gender refers to the psychological and sociocultural meanings added to biological sex.

So how does gender identity form?

According to the cognitive development theory by Kohlberg, there are series of stages.

By 2,3 years old, children can identify their own sex

4-5, children can correctly label others

6-7, there is gender constancy. The idea that gender is unchangeable.

We can also acquire gender identity by social learning or socialization. For young boys they are given toys like cars, robots on their birthday. Whereas for girls, kitchen sets. These social experiences leads to differences in attitudes, interests, skill and personality that continue throughout adulthood.

And the last theory of Gender identity is the gender schema theory.

How about gender diversity in the workplace?

One thing to focus on is the problem of discrimination in the workplace.

Men and women are treated differently in job applications, there is sex segregation and sexual harassment (both males and females)

Men and women tend to occupy different jobs and this has a number of associated issues. Firstly, the wage gap. Studies have shown that women with similar backgrounds and education earned 83% of what men earn, one year after graduating from university.

Secondly, the Glass ceiling. An unofficial barrier to opportunities which prevent protected classes of workers, particularly women and minorities from advancing to higher positions.

Lastly, the glass escalator effect. Williams (1992) examined men's experience in 4 different female dominated jobs namely nurses, elementary school teachers, librarians and social workers. She found that men can get preferential treatment from inside the profession but can get discriminated outside and frowned upon. When discriminated outside, some stereotypes such as gay/pedophiles may be associated with them. Although not all is bad as this can result in rapport and support from superiors inside the profession.

Gender roles are defined as the expected and acceptable way of behaving for a given sex in a given society at a given time. And this expectation and acceptable was limit both sexes. For e.g, the traditional role or men is to be the sole breadwinner, bringing food and protection to the family. And women take on a nurturant role, e.g cooking, taking care of the kids and housework.

So if the social norm in a traditional society is that women stay home and perform the traditional role, a women who is career-minded may be perceived as dominant. And vice versa, is a man who is staying at home to look after kids instead of getting a job, he may be also discriminated, especially in a masculine country where competition, achievement and success are the dominant values in the society.

As society is changing, there are trends that men are spending more time on housework and women less time. (I think it's cool for males to share the load, as this is a display of independence and care)

And in Singapore, I think a dual income in a family is a necessity for a comfortable life.

Some thoughts.

Everybody has different traits of a person they are attracted to. Maybe I'll make a list of my own. I'm attracted to these traits in a person: Well groomed, artistic, quirky, creative, humble, kind, has good taste, has care for his/her friends, responsible, optimistic and steady people.

I saw of the vision of the BMTC, hung at the left and side of the auditorium which etched 'Winning the mind and hearts of men through a memorable and meaningful experience at BMTC'. Yep, that's what I remember. Before the trip to BMTC at Tekong, I've watched the whole series of 'Every Singaporean's son' on cyberpioneer TV. It's interesting and I'm very happy to be part of the experience. I'm on the chapter of leadership now, and this is something to ponder on. Yes, I need discipline now. From now till 29th May. Hehe.

Singapore, with a score of 20 is an collectivistic country (according to Hofstede) Yea, that's my little red dot.

However, I think I'm lean a little closer to the characteristic of an individualist. If using the Hofstede five dimension of national culture definitions. Let me see, hmm, I think i'll rank myself as 60 on the individualist/collectivistic dimension. If in a defensive mode, maybe 80. Haha. It's subjective, and I think the scores are subjective to individuals. The scores also determine the 'appropriate way' to behave in the society I guess.

I value independent thinking, having and giving honest feedback and being objective when tasks concerned.