How Gender Roles Influence Our Identity

Our society is shaped by gender roles. While men and women have different roles and tasks, they are all equal. Gender roles have become a topic of heated debate in our modern society. How others see us as women and men is one way gender can influence our identity. In the workplace, femininity and masculinity have a significant impact on people’s perspectives. Your gender role can impact the way others perceive and see you. Contrary to gender roles, which are defined by gender and how they behave for men or women. Since the beginning of time, these roles have been a part of society. This topic can make people uncomfortable as they feel unfairly treated compared to others. We have all been taught to behave in certain ways at times. The reason is different.

Gender role refers to a person’s inner view of what male or female should do and how they should act. It starts before the child leaves the womb. The color of a child’s nursery depends on how much she is experiencing. This can also change people’s perspective and how they view that particular gender. In most countries, men assume that women cannot work outside of their home and are therefore the head of the household. Surprisingly, some people still believe that women should be in the kitchen and shouldn’t work outside. Females are more often seen as housewives who stay at home to care for their children and other chores. That affects martial life. Literature, media and other sources can influence us to view ourselves and our roles differently. Shirley M. Ogletree’s article, “Gender-related attitudes and expectations for marriage”, discusses gender equality. She says that recent research has shown that marital happiness and quality are being affected by gender. This shows that gender roles are changing with the times. Modern women and men don’t want their dependence on others. They have their personal goals and aspirations. They are determined to succeed in every endeavor. They want freedom and happiness in life. According to google research, women report more divorces and less happiness in 2000 than men. Men are more responsible after marriage for the family’s income, while women are more responsible to care for the children and housework. According to “the bureau for labor statistics”, 40%-43% of men work fulltime in 2012. It can also have negative consequences. Working full-time for women can lead to increased house chores like cooking, cleaning up, and caring for the kids. Another reason women and men differ is their increased involvement in the lives of their children. Today, there is less gender discrimination than in the past. Modern gender roles allow two people to know what they can expect from one another when they are together. My grandfather didn’t likely marry my grandmother in those days. His grandmother’s jobs may have required them to move. He doesn’t cook, clean or take care of the children. Women perform all of the chores at home and also take care their children. Women and men will believe they have no other options when women and men see themselves as sole workers, financial backers, and complete authority within the home, while women are seen as stay-at-home mothers who cook, clean, care for, and support the children. Tradition is good sometimes, but it shouldn’t limit everyone to the same gender roles in education or vocation.

Another way gender can control our identity is to choose the sex that we are. Parents may wish to decide the gender of their baby by having a medical procedure. Many people hold to the old idea that male and female behavior should be based solely on gender. Modern society doesn’t care about gender identity. Gender roles, social constructs based on human nature, are socially constructed over time. Some may argue that because traditional gender roles have been in place for so many years, they shouldn’t be altered. Modern society doesn’t require traditional gender roles. Many people are struggling to achieve their full potential in this instant. Everyone should be equal in importance. Social beliefs have a long history of influencing gender roles. TalyaMinsberg wrote the article, “Women Tell Their Stories About Gender Roles in Military”. This showed that this can pose a risk to your mental health. Male soldiers have to work twice as hard as female soldiers to make it to the top. Female soldiers cut their hair and change their speech patterns to blend in with their male counterparts. It would be a great thing if the gender roles in our lives were completely changed. India’s gender roles are very important to families. I am sharing my personal experience with you that made me cry.

My childhood was marked by a strong gender divide. My dad and the rest of his family often complained about my mom not having a son. My dad has two daughters, but my brother has them. My only difference was not having a brother. My dad used rant and argue about not having any sons in his life. My mom was really hard hit by him. My cousins, my work colleagues, and others around me taught me the first time we moved to the United States that everyone lives independently, even women. Women don’t need to be told what to do by men. I refused to listen to my father and his family. I stood up for mom. My mom is very different. There was a lot of drama and someone had to step in. I talked to my dad about the issue. He said that if he cannot stop the drama, he could live with his brothers. But we don’t need a brother in order to have a happy life.

The role of a child’s gender in society will be determined by their parents. Gender roles have a significant impact on our identity and contribution to civilization. Our social roles are important aspects of who and what we are. Socially and culturally, women are wired to be masculine and men are wired to be feminine. The world wouldn’t be the same without these unspoken roles. We should not let our gender roles limit our freedom and choices in our lives.

Author

  • ottobradford

    Otto Bradford is an educator and blogger who focuses on educational technology. He has been teaching and writing about education for more than a decade, and has published articles on a variety of educational topics. Otto is a professor of education at William Paterson University in New Jersey.