Before jumping in stereotypical gender roles, we must acknowledge that gender roles or gender norms is a social construct. Someone’s gender identity can be recognized by how they act as a male or a female. When it comes to mind sets, perceptions, views, or opinions, women and men differ from each other and it is quite fascinating. On the other hand, biological differences does not define anybody, even though a man and a woman have different physical parts, individuals primarily focus about their gender identity through their experiences and choices throughout their childhoods to until they mature. Yes, in fact, there are numerous biological differences in both men and women, but it does not have an impact on how gender shapes in people’s lives. Additionally, stereotypes also come from the media. May it be in newspapers, magazines, radio, television, or the Internet, people are constantly subjugated to the measurable influences these outlets have to offer. With time, these agendas intermingle with the common cultural norms, somewhat modifying them to fit a more modernized, media-influenced value system. With this being said, the media promotes it’s own core value system on our culture and behaviours. Thus, our culture’s prevailing ideologies are being socialized and normalized. For example, young children are taught through socialization, how to interact and adapt to a specific environment. From the very beginning of childhood, a girl learns that she should always be “lady-like” and pink should be her favourite colour. On the other hand, a boy will be presented with a basketball or toy cars, objects that are often associated with masculinity. Thus, boys are taught to express themselves through stereotypical masculine action such as standing his ground whereas girls must remain properly composed in all types of scenarios. According to “The Children’s Society” by Lucy, being physically appealing is a distinct characteristic for both boys and girls. It is said, “For girls, this is particularly notable at a huge 44%, with ‘being caring’ the next most common at 30%”. On the other hand, “When it comes to boys, ‘being good-looking’ gained 32% of selections, with ‘being funny’ a close second at 23%”. It seems that girls are pressured from a young age. Stereotypes affect individuals on a daily basis. Gender should not define us the way it has historically, and individuals should not feel pressured to conform to traditional gender roles or behaviours. Stereotypically, men are allowed to wear whatever pleases them and look splendid. However, women have to have clothing suitable for any occasion and not be judged by society. For instance, girls always need to be “clean-looking”. They need to be shaved on every inch of their body, they need to be moisturized, makeup done, hair done, etc. As a woman, all these requirements are unnecessary because I am not put on this earth to please anybody.
The gender stereotypes and overall stereotyping continues to not only shape but also influence the behaviour of all people regardless of the environmental setup. Some common gender stereotypes for women are: thin, fashionable, sexually objectified, caretaker, catty, dramatic, over-emotional, etc. Some common gender stereotypes for men are: buff, toned body, “sissy” if they show any type of emotion, reckless, dominant, powerful, cocky, etc. All these gender stereotypes are constructed and are not ideal. Gendered behaviours can include gender-specific clothing, speech, movement, activities, thoughts and feelings, and those norms may vary according to place, time and culture. Gender roles are relational and become more pronounced in the comparison of gender role successes and failures.
Gender Roles 