The Impact of Gender roles

What are Gender roles?

Gender roles are the rules or expectations from society about our interests, the ways in which we act and express ourselves based on the sex assigned at birth. There are unwritten rules for how we dress, speak, the volume and tone that we use, how we are supposed to behave and with whom. Most cultures, societies have gender role expectations that are passed down through generations.

How are gender roles taught?

Right from birth, we often see differential treatment taking place, in the form of different toys that are marketed for them. Even colors are not left alone, with pink being considered a feminine color and blue masculine. We participate in furthering the gender stereotypes when we buy (or advertise and sell) dolls or kitchen sets for girls and toy cars and legos for boys alone. We are more likely to talk relatively more with girl babies and play more with boys.

Even during play, girls are expected to somehow be quieter and more well-behaved. They are the ones who are expected to help out in the kitchen or with domestic tasks more, and boys are expected to help more outside of the home. From a young age, boys are told not to cry or express their emotions (apart from anger), and girls may be labeled as too emotional.

In institutions that children belong to, such as schools, colleges, religious groups, etc. there could be differential expectations when it comes to dress code and codes of conduct. We tend to praise and reinforce qualities of being nurturing, caring, affectionate in women and those of being resourceful, boldness, strength and courage in men.

Impact of Gender Roles

Children can internalize the gender stereotypes and biases that they see around them.

They may believe that this is how they are supposed to be and act, and feel the pressure to

conform to these expectations. Bullying, teasing, mocking peers who may be different may

persist.

With so much focus on strength and showing no weaknesses or vulnerability, men may struggle with emotional expression because it was never made comfortable or familiar for them. This may affect their ability to open up, accept parts of themselves and others, and even form close intimate relationships. Concerns with body image may show up in people because they are constantly told of what an ‘ideal’ man or woman is supposed to look like. If girls are discouraged from engaging in outdoor activities, and pursuing careers in male-dominated fields, it can be upsetting and frustrating. Women are more likely to be labeled aggressive when they are being assertive, ‘difficult’ when they are being tough, and are disliked when they exhibit traits that aren’t traditionally feminine. Gender roles can feel limiting for everyone when it comes to self-expression, especially for those who do not identify with the sex assigned at birth, it may become a tool for oppression.

What can be done instead?

Gender can be understood as a social construct. The role expectations and unwritten rules of conduct are learnt and passed through generations, therefore they can also be unlearnt. We can choose to be more inclusive, sensitive and compassionate when it comes to gender expression. Reflect on our judgements, be careful to keep them in check and understand where they are coming from.

In schools, colleges and other institutions, there should be common rules and expectations from all. We can avoid putting things into rigid and inflexible boxes, about how we are allowed to show up. Instead, we should encourage everyone to do things and act in ways that feel fulfilling to them.

We can just let people be, without feeling the need to comment about their choices or criticizing or mocking them for it. When we do not pressure people to follow gender role expectations, they do not feel the need to act accordingly, and we can thus avoid the negative implications. Being a good person takes precedence over being the 'ideal' man or woman.

Disclaimer: This blog post is meant for awareness/entertainment purposes only. It is not medical advice and one must refrain from self-diagnosing. It is in no way a substitute for therapy with a mental health professional and it is not meant to be clinical. To consult with a psychotherapist on our team, you can contact us on fettle.counselling@gmail.com.