Gender Identity Essay Example

the role of a teacher. As a result, children become aware of gender-related occupations at an early age. Girls develop maternal instincts by playing with dolls while boys learn about their future roles as providers and protectors through hunting or fighting games. Families and the media reinforce these traditional patterns which greatly influence career aspirations later in life. Women typically gravitate towards careers such as secretaries, teachers, housewives, waitresses, and nurses whereas men tend to pursue jobs like police officers, truck drivers, factory workers, construction workers or business leaders such as bosses or CEOs. Barbie dolls often serve as toys for young girls but can create confusion due to presenting an unrealistic and idealized standard of beauty. Boys are often drawn to watching cartoons featuring superheroes and impressive characters whom they aspire to imitate in order to appear cool.
These characters exemplify traits such as aggression, violence, toughness, independence, and power. Consequently, boys understand that they are expected to adopt such behavior. Batman or Superman, known for being powerful and athletic heroes, have a daily impact on the conduct of young boys. Research has shown that children are also influenced by their peers from an early age. If a child engages in activities that are not considered typical for their gender, they may face teasing from their peers. For example, if a boy enjoys playing house or with dolls, others might ridicule him. It is not only his peers who present challenges when a boy diverges from traditional gender roles; parents also express concern if their child does not conform. If a boy plays with dolls or shows interest in cooking, his parents may mistakenly assume

he has mental issues rather than simply having those interests.Society significantly influences the choices of toys and activities based on children's genders.The behaviors associated with these gender roles originate from upbringing experiences as well as societal expectations and media advertisements for gender-specific toys.Biological factors alone cannot determine attitudes and behaviors.Society plays a significant role in shaping gender roles through upbringing, interactions with others,and media influence.
The impact of media on gender identity is evident in various ways. Advertisements, movies, and TV often depict women as promiscuous or weak, leading them to internalize negative perceptions about their bodies and abilities. Unhealthy dieting and eating habits among women are promoted by the media through print media that showcases images of extremely thin females. Consequently, women feel pressured to strive for this socially accepted image portrayed in advertisements, even if it means spending money. Society's ideal body image becomes a driving force behind consumer spending as individuals seek the desired appearance. Our identities are heavily influenced by constant exposure to media images on a daily basis, making it challenging to maintain a realistic perspective on what is achievable for ourselves. The bombardment of portrayals of a "skinny" body type creates dissatisfaction with one's own body, leading to overall unhappiness. In today's society where being a size zero is seen as a symbol of status, media influences play a significant role in shaping one's identity. (Lovingood; Bordo 151)The media's portrayal of beauty ideals negatively influences individuals' body image, leading to struggles with their own attractiveness. This mindset starts at an early age, with children as young as eight or nine engaging in chronic dieting (Bordo 151). Instead of embracing diverse

shapes and recognizing multiple images of beauty, children are conditioned to believe that beauty only exists within rigid standards. It is important to note that these perceptions may not align with their actual appearance. Women who have a normal weight often have an exaggerated perception of their size and shape, resulting in harmful behaviors like extreme dieting and eating disorders. This trend has significant consequences as women lacking confidence in their bodies tend to rely on purchasing various products such as beauty items, new clothes, diet pills, and other gimmicks. Constant exposure to images of thin, young, and fit female bodies is associated with negative mental health outcomes like depression and lowered self-esteem. Additionally, it contributes to the development of unhealthy eating habits among women and young girls alike. Research from Kenyon College reveals that approximately 30% of clothing targeted at young girls can be categorized as "sexualizing." Ultimately, the pursuit of physical beauty greatly impacts a woman's self-esteem and confidence.Girls who appear to have healthy eating habits and bodies may still engage in concerning behavior such as regular vomiting or excessive exercise to avoid gaining weight (Bordo 151). Despite the progress made by the feminist movement, challenges persist for modern women. It is important to question whether their lives have truly become easier and if they genuinely feel happy. Women have talents and abilities beyond being homemakers. From a young age, they are taught that fulfillment comes from conforming to traditional gender roles as wives and mothers. However, investing more energy into these roles often leads to dissatisfaction. Housewives not only perform various duties but also handle household needs directly. Despite seemingly having it

all with successful husbands and financial resources, their days are filled with repetitive tasks that leave little room for excitement or anticipation. Many women question their purpose in life and feel frustrated by societal expectations imposed by tradition and family.

can be kept intact while

Girls who appear to have healthy eating habits and bodies may still engage in concerning behavior such as regular vomiting or excessive exercise to avoid gaining weight (Bordo 151). Despite the progress made by the feminist movement, challenges persist for modern women.

It is important to question whether their lives have truly become easier and if they genuinely feel happy.

Women have talents and abilities beyond being homemakers.

From a young age, they are taught that fulfillment comes from conforming to traditional gender roles as wives and mothers.

However, investing more energy into these roles often leads to dissatisfaction.

Housewives not only perform various duties but also handle household needs directly.

Despite seemingly having it all with successful husbands and financial resources, their days are filled with repetitive tasks that leave little room for excitement or anticipation.

Many women question their purpose in life and feel frustrated by societal expectations imposed by tradition and family.

Despite the recent feminist movement, challenges still persist for modern women, raising questions about whether their lives have truly become easier and if they genuinely feel happy. Women possess talents and abilities beyond those typically associated with being a homemaker. From an early age, they are taught that fulfillment and happiness come from conforming to traditional gender roles as wives and mothers. However, investing more energy into excelling in these roles often results in increased dissatisfaction. Housewives not only perform duties such as

waiting tables,, cleaning houses,, nursing others back to health,, cooking meals,, and teaching children;they also handle all household needs. But who are they really? Some argue that housewives seemingly have it all – a husband with a successful career,, a comfortable home,, and abundant financial resources for contentment. However, their days are filled with repetitive tasks like cooking meals,, cleaning spaces repeatedly doing laundry,and shopping – leaving little room for anticipation or excitement. Many women feel frustrated by being limited to the role of a housewife and question the purpose of life. They find themselves trapped in societal expectations imposed by tradition and family.According to Syfers-Brady, there is a desire for wives who will care for the children and home, always being available for special attention.

However, the expectation that a woman must give up her job or education after getting married can result in a loss of identity. Nevertheless, it is important for housewives to have opportunities that foster their self-esteem. It is not necessary for marriage to automatically mean taking on household responsibilities and raising children, unless both partners agree to it. If a woman perceives herself as reliant on her husband, she may continue to depend on him indefinitely. On the other hand, if she sees herself as strong and capable, she will be motivated to pursue career advancement.

In today's society, there has been an increase in men becoming stay-at-home fathers and women assuming positions of power in corporations. This acknowledges that genuine distinctions between genders still exist. While gender roles should not restrict individuals from pursuing their interests, developing talents, or utilizing natural abilities, culture, society, and media exert significant influence over

them.

Both men and women encounter messages about gender roles on a daily basis through various sources such as family dynamics, print advertisements, music, TV shows,and movies. These messages shape people's understanding of societal expectations for their gender and how they should conform to societal norms.Culture, society, and media continue to exert a significant influence on traditional gender roles despite the numerous challenges they face. From birth to death, our gender identity is continually molded by societal and media factors.