Lessons on gender in every contemporary society start early and they have lifelong consequences since they impact how young boys and girls perceive themselves and the ambitions that they hold. Numerous research studies on the impact of gender stereotypes establish that the norms that exist within a given society around gender become entrenched in the adolescents as they begin adolescence and they have far reaching negative impact that they carry with them into adulthood (Ellemers, 69). In this paper we will examine two aspects of gender stereotypes in boys and girls and the manner in which gender identity is promoted in the American society.
Gender stereotypes
There are various stereotypes that are given to boys and girls but among the most notable aspects of these stereotypes is the role that each gender plays within the contemporary community as well as the option that boys and girls are given. The boys within the society are groomed as the strong gender with the propensity to take on risks and protect the rest of the family as well as the community members, while girls are perceived as been weak and are thus discouraged from engaging in various tasks within the social setting (Ellemers, 69). For instance, the girls are expected to play house and take care of the less hectic chores within the home while the boys are expected to stand up early in life and carry out all manual jobs such as repairs that arise within the homestead. Secondly, the boys are expected to be resilient even in the wake of adversity and not show any emotions since they are men and showing emotions is a sign of weakness. Girls on the other hand being feminine are giving the liberty to show their emotions, get attached and even cry openly if the need arises since they are supposedly inferior.
Stereotypes also exist on the roles that boys and girls play in the society and the manner in which their parents treat them. Boys are more likely within the society to be treated with laxity, with a fair percentage of them getting away with misbehaviour since the parents perception of them is guided by the notion that “boys will always be boys” (Ellemers, 69). Girls on the other hand grow up under strict supervision of the parents, with any wrongdoing been met with severe punishment. The harsh and stricter approach to the disciplining and parenting of girls is attributable to the notion that they are weak and need more care in comparison to the boys, who can make mistakes and still have time to make amends and start living the right way (Ellemers, 69). The stereotypes also dictate the manner in which chores at home are divided between the boys and girls, with the girls been given the simpler tasks such as cleaning and ironing in comparison with boys who have to go hunting, herding or even making repairs at home.
Acceptable Social Behaviour
The socially acceptable behaviour for boys in the society is dependent on what is perceived as manly activities by the members of the community, although today unlike decades ago when each gender had specific tasks to carry out, gender roles have become universal. The boys are expected to take the role of protectors and providers and are thus supposed to learn how to fend for the families from an early age, while the girls are expected to be caregivers and nurturers and thus are expected to clean and learn how to cook (Ellemers, 69). The girls are also encouraged to engage in sports such as skating and gymnastics that can help them stay in shape and admirable.
Differences in raising boys and girls
There are differences in how boys and girls are raised and more so based on the expectations that the parents and the community that they live in has. The difference in the manner in which boys and girls are raised is attributable to the treatment that they get as they grow up, and the expectations placed upon them (Ellemers, 69). For instance, girls who grow up been told they can achieve anything they dream are more likely to be ambitious and competitive in comparison to girls who grow up been told there is only little they can achieve.
Gender identity promotion
There are various valid ways through which we promote gender identity and these include allowing the children to make friends of their choices as they start developing an understanding of their differences as well as making sure they can choose the sports to participate in. Secondly, giving the children access to a wide variety of resource material that is not gender biased such as playbooks that are non-stereotypical and which represent various gender roles. There are various invalid ways to promote gender identity such as confining their choice of friends and the learning material they can access.
Work cited
Ellemers, Naomi. "Gender stereotypes." Annual review of psychology
(2018). 69 Retrieved from https://el.annualreviews.org/wf/click?upn=ifFn-2B2v5o-2BdOxpT6DfanFjD2XhAWmwnhTcffjLN3lqXSAX8EwdP-2FrEMKszMJJ8FoOS-2FtYAIW2FK1-2FKqg9AIJ91N8ngQYLRG8DWkV3-2Fplup-2Bs-2BjeVXriiGf11b3xJ-2F-2B4R_ron4gSFKxuosk4X1WJ2eRT-2BG4jp-
