What are Gender Roles? Gender roles are socially accepted roles that are specified for genders with a primary focus on masculinity and femininity. Since time immemorial, gender roles among humans have been in existence. This can be traced back to the fact that men and women have always been perceived through their biological differences rather […]
What are Gender Roles?
Gender roles are socially accepted roles that are specified for genders with a primary focus on masculinity and femininity. Since time immemorial, gender roles among humans have been in existence. This can be traced back to the fact that men and women have always been perceived through their biological differences rather than as individuals. This attribution to gender roles started in the early days where men took care of hunting for food and protecting the territory, whereas women took care of their offsprings and looked after the family.
How are they imbibed?
Gender roles are influenced by one’s environment, family, media, and culture which play pivotal parts. These roles are brought into life through gender specific aspects right from a very young age. From the type of toys that children play with to the kind of clothes they wear, all these aspects are viewed from a gender specific lens. This later inculcates how specific genders speak, act, dress, and groom themselves as society deems appropriate.
How do gender roles affect people?
When one’s behavior goes against socially constructed ideas, it promotes inequality and jeopardizes relationships starting from home. Gender roles make it difficult for people to express themselves and their emotions freely. It also acts as a barrier to pursue what they want in a society prejudiced with stereotypes. Feeling guilty is a common consequence of breaking gender roles as people are subconsciously taught to fit in from a very young age.
How to identify behaviors that promote gender roles?
It is fairly easy to identify behaviors that promote gender roles. When certain activities and behaviors are restricted to said genders and defying them is considered as inappropriate, it can be said that the influence of a gender role is present everywhere. Generally, gender roles are instilled from birth and it gradually develops as the person grows up. Society at large plays a major role in promoting gender roles, while also leads them to believe that there may be serious consequences if the gender norms are not adhered to.
What are the common gender roles seen today?
Some of the common gender roles that are present today are as follows:
Women are usually associated with:
1. Playing with dolls and cooking sets
2. Being polite and nurturing
3. Cooking and cleaning
4. Taking care of the family
5. Being shy and not outspoken
While men are associated with:
1. Playing with cars and super hero dolls
2. Being aggressive and bold
3. Being the breadwinners of the family
4. Making decisions for everyone
5. Having tough personalities
To conclude
Though gender roles exist, there are changes slowly seeping in to break the gender norms all around the world. People have begun to voice the problems associated with gender roles and are actively trying to break the chain of stereotypes
