Heath Milam T17 Gender Theory Presentation 2 W9
Research with the Gender Theory Approach requires the action researcher to ask questions and place the context of the impact on Gender Identity Construction.
Gender socialization occurs through our family, schools, peer groups, and the mass media. Gender roles are reinforced by creating and maintaining expectations for gender-specific behavior. Men have traditionally been expected to be strong, aggressive even dominating. Women have been expected to be nurturing, sensitive, emotional, and relatively passive. Children are taught these values with the use of toys. Boys are given large-sized, noise-making trucks, which I still have quite a few, while my sister, collected beanie babies. Boys are typically given fewer restrictions on appropriate clothing, eating habits, or curfew. Boys are asked to take out the garbage or perform other tasks that require strength or toughness, while girls may be asked to fold laundry or perform duties that require neatness and care.
Gender Theory suggests gender roles are constructed by society, not biological differences.
I can speak from firsthand experience what the societal expectations of gender can be. For that matter, I know how equally silly and destructive they can be. I’ve met a lot of trans people, especially other trans women, who feel incredibly insecure about inheriting any traits society deems “masculine”. This can amount from the clothing you wear down to the hobbies you have. I’m certainly no exception. I’ve always enjoyed wearing baggy sweatpants rather than restrictive jeans, but because sweatpants are considered masculine, I hate to be seen in public with them. These conflicts of interest are gradually fading into an immense spectrum of expression, but understanding these roles and taking action to reduce their dominance in society is very important to me.