Gender Socialization

Gender socialization is through a process where we are taught and learn the appropriate thinking and behaviors associated with being a boy or girl in our culture. In today’s society, it is a highly talked about topic, in which it has the ability to effect the development of boys and girls. When one is born, they are automatically taught gender socialization even though they are not old enough to know and understand the concept; for example, in class today, we did a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ activity with onesies for babies. These onesies were directed towards either a baby boy or a baby girl. They were in coordinating colors that were linked to a specific gender, and had a ‘looking for’ description for the opposite gender. Automatically we associate specific objects, toys, colors, etc. with a specific gender. Parents, family, friends, and society are major influences for this behavior.

Personally, I believe that the most powerful influences that have shaped my conception of femininity and masculinity are those that were around me at a young age; for example, my parents, close family friends, etc. Since I am the oldest child, I was automatically given clothing, toys, etc. that reflected the characteristics of a ‘girl’. As I grew older, my parents never forced me to try different things, but allowed my free choice. This led me to participate in sports, such as soccer and softball, which I continued to play throughout high school. Many of my friends were forced to do dance because it is a common thing for ‘little girls’ to partake in. Although at times I wished my parents forced me to do dance, I believe that they didn’t because they wanted me to be able to have a choice of what I wanted to do. Because I have grown up in a household primarily of girls (my dad is the only male), it has allowed me to try harder to view the conceptions of femininity and masculinity that our society has.