Harmful Impacts of Gender Roles
©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved
By Gargi Ghosh
From the moment a child is born, society assigns gender roles that dictate how the child should behave, dress and think. At a young age, girls are taught to be submissive, nurturing, and emotional. They are given toys like dolls and play kitchens, while boys are given action figures and toy cars. Girls are encouraged to wear dresses, play with makeup and be pretty, while boys are told to be tough, play sports, and pursue careers in fields like science and engineering. This differentiation affects society in significant ways by limiting individuality, perpetuating stereotypes, and contributing to inequality.
These gender roles limit individuality as children are expected to fit into a predetermined mold. Girls who show an interest in sports or science are viewed as tomboys, while boys who enjoy playing with dolls or dressing up in costumes are labeled as sissies. This creates a society where people feel as though they have to conform to gender norms in order to be accepted.
Additionally, these gender roles perpetuate stereotypes about what it means to be feminine and masculine. Girls learn that they are supposed to be weak and submissive, while boys learn that they are supposed to be strong and dominant. These stereotypes can lead to aggression and toxic masculinity, as boys feel the need to prove their masculinity through violence and aggression.
The phrases "boys don't cry" and "men don't feel pain" are harmful societal expectations that reinforce toxic masculinity and stifle emotional expression in men. These expectations have devastating effects on men and society as a whole.
The expectation that boys and men should not cry or show vulnerability teaches young boys to suppress their emotions, leading them to develop unhealthy coping mechanisms and mental health issues later in life. This societal expectation also reinforces the idea that men should be strong and dominant, leading to a culture in which men feel pressure to suppress their emotions and appear invincible, even when experiencing pain or suffering.
This can also perpetuate gender-based violence and limit the equality of women, as emotions are seen as "feminine" and therefore, less valued. This can encourage men to view expressing emotions as a weakness and make them less likely to listen and understand women's emotions.
Finally, the idea that "men don't feel pain" can lead to men ignoring physical discomfort and health issues, leading to worse health outcomes and a higher mortality rate. It is important to understand that emotional expression and experiencing pain are essential aspects of the human experience, regardless of gender. By breaking down these harmful stereotypes, we can create a society that values emotional intelligence, healthy expression, and equality for everyone.
Finally, this unfair differentiation leads to inequality. Women are often paid less than men for doing the same job and are less likely to be promoted to leadership positions. This is because society views women as weak and emotional, and not capable of being strong leaders. Similarly, men who exhibit traits that are considered too feminine are judged harshly, leading to discrimination and prejudice.
In conclusion, this unjust conditioning of little girls and little boys has a tremendous impact on society. It limits individuality, perpetuates stereotypes, and contributes to inequality. It's time to break down these gender roles and allow children to pursue their interests and passions regardless of their gender. Only then can we create a society that values individuality and treats every individual with equal respect and dignity.
©2023 G. Ghosh, All rights reserved
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