We live in a society that places certain expectations on you based on your gender. It almost seems like it has a gender role for us even before we are born. If you follow it, you're perfect, if you don't, you're a social misfit. Different brands take place with or without our knowledge.
How many of you are completely satisfied with how the company
evaluates you? Do you fit the social mold of being female or male? Are you the
ideal woman or man according to societal expectations? Society is generally
unforgiving when it comes to fulfilling gender roles. Does it have negative effects?
How do gender roles or gender socialization affect both women and men?
1. The Concept of Gender Socialization:
Gender socialization is a lifelong process that begins at birth
and continues throughout one's life. It is the way in which society influences
individuals to conform to specific gender norms, behaviors, and roles. From
early childhood, children are exposed to various socializing agents, such as
family, peers, media, and educational institutions, which play a crucial role
in shaping their understanding of gender.
2. It dehumanizes both
How many times have you heard of a man being told, "That's
not a man!" just because he didn't fight back against the person who hit
him? Likewise about a woman: "She is like a man!" when he defends
himself (or even verbally) against bullying. When society associates someone's
sexual identity with what they should but didn't do or didn't do but shouldn't,
it's simply saying "you're not human" if you don't do what you're
supposed to do as expected. Is our humanity so superficial that it can be
either affirmed or negated by the things we do or the social roles we play? Are
women and men only actors or performers?
3. It limits the freedom of both
Swiss political philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau was right when
he said: “Man (mankind) is born free, but everywhere he is in chains.
Suppressing the freedom to assume any roles or to adopt behavior that is
contrary to the "norm" causes both sexes to either conform to the
socially oriented contract or live in misery. How many men wanted a pink shirt
but had to opt for a gray one because they were mocked. Or how many women
wanted to climb a tree but held back for fear of being judged by society. How
many boys want to play with dolls and girls with cars, but are strictly told
not to go beyond the "norm"? Wasn't their freedom to choose their own
playthings nipped in the bud before they could make up their own minds? Gender
roles are not destructive in themselves, but when they become rigid and
permanent, it becomes unhealthy for both.
4. It creates unhealthy behavior in both
How often have you been told that it is natural for men to be
aggressive, indulge in drugs, come home late, or not come home at all?
Conversely, how often have women been told to be meek, stay at home, not talk
back, be caring and submissive (read obedient)? Such norms of behavior are not
natural but learned through socialization. Those who want to live beyond the
norm may face emotional challenges and find destructive outlets. Men who lose
their jobs have been found to lose their sense of power and act out this loss
by being violent at home. Thus, it is proven that a "normal" pattern
of behavior may not always be normal. Likewise, men's suppression of emotion
(not crying or asking for help) and women's free expression (crying and sharing
thoughts) are seen as ideal, but with tragic consequences; this resulted in
women outliving women by at least six years on average! Were men created
without emotions? Were women created with extra tear ducts? The only thing for
both genera is that they were both created with the same essence (Gen 1:26-27)
and with the same responsibility (1:28).
Bottom line: The entire male population and the entire female
population don't need to be asked to act a certain way or conform to a given
role. That is not normal! It's oppressive.
"You're born with sex, then you learn how to do
gender" (Christopher Liang)
5. Gender Roles and Idealizations:
5.1 Traditional Gender Roles: Historically, societies have
assigned specific roles to men and women, based on perceived differences in
physical and emotional attributes. Men were often associated with traits such
as strength, assertiveness, and leadership, while women were linked with
qualities like nurturing, empathy, and domesticity.
5.2 Evolving Gender Roles: In recent decades, there has been a
significant shift in gender roles due to changing societal attitudes and the
fight for gender equality. More women have entered the workforce, and men are
increasingly involved in caregiving and domestic responsibilities. However,
remnants of traditional gender roles and stereotypes persist, influencing
societal expectations and judgments.
6. Gender Roles and Idealizations:
6.1 Traditional Gender Roles: Historically, societies have assigned specific
roles to men and women, based on perceived differences in physical and
emotional attributes. Men were often associated with traits such as strength,
assertiveness, and leadership, while women were linked with qualities like
nurturing, empathy, and domesticity.
6.2 Evolving Gender Roles: In recent decades, there has been a significant shift in
gender roles due to changing societal attitudes and the fight for gender equality.
More women have entered the workforce, and men are increasingly involved in
caregiving and domestic responsibilities. However, remnants of traditional
gender roles and stereotypes persist, influencing societal expectations and
judgments.
7. Impact of Gender Socialization:
7.1 Gender Identity Formation: Gender socialization plays a vital role in the development
of an individual's gender identity. It helps shape how one perceives themselves
in relation to societal expectations of their gender.
7.2 Reproduction of Gender Norms: Socialization perpetuates gender norms and
expectations, leading to the reinforcement of traditional roles and
idealizations within society.
7.3 Influence on Behavior and Choices: Gender socialization affects the way
individuals behave and make choices, from career paths to personal
relationships. These choices are often influenced by societal expectations
rather than individual preferences.
7.4 Impact on Mental Health: Conforming to rigid gender roles and facing societal
pressures can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, especially for those who
don't fit within traditional gender norms.
8. Breaking the Cycle: Challenging Gender Stereotypes
8.1 Educating for Change: Schools and educational institutions can play a crucial role in
challenging gender stereotypes by promoting inclusive and diverse perspectives.
8.2 Media Representation: The media can influence and challenge traditional gender
roles by portraying diverse and non-stereotypical gender identities in TV
shows, movies, and advertisements.
8.3 Encouraging Empathy and Compassion: Parents and caregivers can foster empathy
and understanding in children by teaching them to value individuality and
respect for all genders.
9. Gender-Neutral Parenting:
9.1 Challenging Gender Norms from Childhood: Gender-neutral parenting involves avoiding
the reinforcement of gender stereotypes and providing children with
opportunities to explore their interests and talents freely.
9.2 Creating an Inclusive Environment: Parents who adopt gender-neutral parenting create an inclusive environment where children are free to express themselves without fear of judgment or societal pressures.
Conclusion:
The role idealization of genders and gender socialization have a
profound impact on individuals and society as a whole. While traditional gender
norms and stereotypes persist, there is an increasing recognition of the
importance of challenging these norms and embracing gender diversity. By
promoting inclusive and equitable environments, fostering empathy and
understanding, and challenging traditional gender roles, we can create a more
accepting and equal society that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual,
regardless of their gender identity.
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