Gender Socialization

The concept of gender, since time immemorial, has proved to be controversial. It is clear that the differences between females and males are acquired from both nature and nurture. These biological distinctions override others that are inclined toward nurture. Through gender socialization, therefore, society understands each gender; ensuring the latter’s requirements is satisfied and fulfilled accordingly. Since there are many natural distinctions between males and females, most of these gender disparities are learned.
Through the social construction of gender, various societies reiterate the essential nature of gender roles. The concept, therefore, showcases that each gender is affiliated with specific behavior. According to Adichie, the society should avoid “performing” and “doing” gender roles. Her sentiments are accentuated when she says, “I know a woman who hates domestic work…” Through this, it is clear that each person should be obliged to handle responsibilities that are not out of their comfort zones (Adichie, 2013, p.4). It is unfortunate that gender socialization begins right from childhood. For instance; when a child is growing up, they are taught that blue represents the male gender while pink represents the female one. In such a case, therefore, it becomes a great issue when boys possess pink items and vice versa. The issue about colors is, in fact, among the numerous misconceptions about gender socialization in various societies. As these children learn the social construction of gender from their parents and guardians, it is salient that nurture influences the differences between men and women.

Similar concepts influence females to own their inferiority complex in comparison to these male counterparts. While the latter is affiliated with corporate businesses, society expects women to handle domestic and household responsibilities. Adichie’s article also addresses the issue of teaching men to be hard and cold-hearted individuals. The author says, “The more ‘hard man” a man feels compelled to be, te weaker his ego is…” She laments about the idea of demeaning women so as to raise the status and superiority of their male counterparts (Adichie, 2013, p.3)).
In exploring gender roles and socialization, it is important to validate the issue about “performing” and “doing” gender. Individuals are taught that males are supposed to depict strength while females elicit vulnerability and weakness. These ideas are, however, derogatory because they bring about stereotypes in the society. When boys are taught that crying and expressing their emotions is a “girly” thing, they tend to develop cold hearts toward other people. The social construction of gender interferes with the ability of individuals to live freely without these unwanted expectations. Indeed, they learn that men and women are supposed to subscribe to specific roles. These gender roles also impact interactions between human beings. When females are taught that males are supposed to provide, most of them become dependent on these men. In such a scenario, the interaction may be compromised because both men and women have various expectations apropos of one another’s roles. Tannen examines Nathan and Diana where the former is often frustrated because of Diana’s choice of words. A good portion of Diana’s diction, according to Nathan, is emasculating and causes him to retaliate by disrespecting women (Tannen, 2007, p.3-4). Tannen’s article also addresses the issue of gender construction while exploring females’ and males’ response to status and support. The ability of women to nurture other individuals elevates their inclination toward support. Men, on the other hand, have learned to compete and contest so as to emerge victoriously (Tannen, 2007, p.1-2).
Learning gender roles has indeed interfered with the sentimentalities present in the marriage institution. It is unfortunate that gender socialization breeds inequalities in various societies. These nurtured differences clearly accentuate the assumed superiority of males. The author denounces the false consciousness associated with teaching women to accept their inferiority. Her description offers people insight about shaping interactions and identities. The article also enlightens individuals on the stereotypes about women and subordination. Even if cultural values require such behavior from the female gender, the writer brings about a counterargument about the inevitability of cultural changes. In addition, Tannen discusses the differences between men and women apropos of orders, commands and requests. She reiterates that male folk often showcase superiority by utilizing commands rather than requests (Tannen, 2007, p.3-4).
It is important, Adichie reiterates, to advocate for an equality of the sexes. Gender socialization should not interfere with the ability of males and females to interact with one another. Through subtly, this social construction is a scheme that fuels the existence of gender discrimination in various societies.
Works Cited
Tannen, Deborah. “Can’t We Talk?” (Condensed from: You Just Don’t Understand. 2007.
Adichie, N. Chimamanda. We should all be feminists. TED. 2013.