Summary
Highlights
Gender roles are defined as appropriate or desired behavioral roles for a specific gender, influenced by cultural norms and values. These roles dictate how individuals are expected to act, speak, dress, and conduct themselves based on their assigned sex. Historically, women in Western societies were expected to wear skirts and heels with long hair, a norm still prevalent in some traditional societies today. Conversely, while men generally don't wear skirts, cultures like the Scottish tradition embrace kilts for men. Some conservative Islamic societies expect women to be fully covered.
Gender roles are transmitted through enculturation, primarily learned from parents, but also from teachers, peers, media, books, movies, religion, and society at large. These socializing agents reinforce gender roles throughout life. Parents, often unconsciously, pass on gender roles they learned as children. Research shows that adults treat male and female children differently from early ages, based on cultural expectations. For example, boys may be taught to fix things, while girls are taught domestic skills. Children who conform to these expectations are approved, while those who don't are often excluded and seen as deviant.
Those who do not conform to expected gender roles, including individuals with a different gender identity from their assigned sex, often face exclusion and disapproval. Gender identity and sexual orientation begin to form around ages 3-4. Non-conforming identities often wait for a supportive environment to express themselves. Various groups, notably the feminist movement, have worked to change restrictive gender roles, viewing them as institutions that limit freedom and lead to discrimination.
A hierarchy exists among genders in society, with women and LGBTQI+ communities often experiencing discrimination. Historically, women in traditional societies were confined to domestic roles as caregivers. Even today, in many societies, women who join the workforce are still expected to handle domestic duties, often earning less, working in worse conditions, and facing job insecurity, especially during pregnancy. Political discrimination against women is also evident, with very few countries having 50% or more female representation in cabinet positions. The video also briefly mentions that men face pressure through hegemonic masculinity, which will be discussed further in a later unit.