Throughout human history the first question parents have asked at the birth of a

Question

Throughout human history the first question parents have asked at the birth of a child has been whether the child is a boy or a girl. The answer to this question impacts the socialization of that child for the rest of his or her life. For example, from birth children are assigned the colors of pink or blue and given specific gender related toys depending on their sex.

Think about how you have been socialized in relation to sex and gender. Consider your parents' and media's influence over your life as a male or female as well as the broader impact of society on masculinity and femininity.

Write an essay on the concepts of sex, gender and gender roles. First, explain the differences between sex and gender. Next, provide examples of how gender roles relate to your personal life.

Explanation / Answer

Sex is the biological characteristic of an individual. It is the genitals that differentiates a girl from a boy. Gender, is a group of individuals who are divided on the basis of their sex, as 'men' or 'women'. Gender roles, refer to the social attributions that are set by the society to each gender.

Gender roles are the norms that are set by the society to be followed by individuals of both the groups.

I grew up in a family, where as kids, there wasn't any gender specific roles assigned to me and my sibling, by my parents. We both divided the routine chores amongst ourselves and did what was needed. As we both hit puberty, things changed. He was allowed to stay out till late because he is a 'boy'. But I on the other hand, had a curfew time set for me. I had to return home before sunset. Also, as we grew older, my brother no longer did the chores. I was helping mom with cooking and cleaning because I was a 'girl'. My brother was more interested in cooking and baking than I was, but he was ashamed to do what he liked, because his friend's made fun of him being 'girly'.

Women are associated with the household chores, where as a man is ought to be associated as suited booted, in an office and being the breadwinner for his family. If the roles are exchanged hypothetically, it wouldn't go down too well with the society. The man would be looked down upon and the woman would be called dominating. But what people fail to understand is that, the man has let go off his masculinity and has surrendered to being the 'houseman' and taking care of his kids and feeding them and the woman is out there living her dreams in the corporate office and flourishing in her career.

The gender roles set by the society should be abandoned and gender neutrality should be reinforced.

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