Gender
is a social concept that describes how societies establish and manage gender
categories. According to Pincus, institutional discrimination is built into the
social structure. The physical characteristics of the social environment
provide an obvious resource for the expression of our “essential” differences.
In
many parts of the world, girls are highly undervalued, especially in developing
countries. According to UNICEF, these children are likely to grow up believing
that they should be treated differently than boys based on the status of their
gender.
There
is no doubt that Adams and Coltrance are correct when saying girls are
generally given more latitude to step outside of their prescribed gender roles
in general. In comparison to girls, boys are given a greater degree of autonomy
and independence at an earlier age.
In
terms of gendering and socialization, the family is the first agent of change.
In spite of that, there is considerable evidence that parents are socializing
their sons and daughters differently as a result of gendering.
Gender
role socialization starts at birth and lasts a lifetime. Studies show that
gender socialization still exists in schools today, possibly in more subtle
ways. Teachers may be unaware that their actions reinforce gender-specific
behaviors. When teachers ask students to arrange their seats or line up by
gender, they may imply different treatment for boys and girls (Thorne 1993).
As a
result, each and every time the teachers ask students to arrange their seats or
line up based on the gender of each of them, they are asserting that boys and
girls are to be treated differently. By promoting inclusivity and gender
equality, we can build a diverse society that values and supports individuals,
fostering unity, understanding, and equal opportunities for all, regardless of
gender.
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