To understand gender analysis in childhood it is important to understand gender. Gender is the socially constructed roles expected from each gender. For instance, a woman is expected to cook for her family is a gender role expected from her. These roles vary from one society to another. This paper covers how different people, media and society have influenced my view on gender. The changes made over stereotypes and the argument of whether gender is nature or nurture.
I am a male college student. I learn about my gender by how my parents and peers treated me. My parent bought me toys that are associated with boys for instance toy cars and football. I liked tree climbing and building forts. Whenever I got hurt playing these games my mother would tell me to stop crying because I am not a girl. I grew up knowing that men should not cry. My parents bought me clothes in colors that they viewed boyishly. Most of my clothes were blue, black or brown. I loved television and watched Gummy bears, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Scooby-Doo, and Johnny Quest. I did not like programs that I viewed to be feminine for instance Little House on the Prairie, Baywatch, and Saved By the Bell.
I was told by my father that a woman’s work is to cook for her family. My mother cooked for me meals that I really enjoyed. I wanted to know how she makes them and soon I had learned how to cook. My sister and I were given chores. My chores were usually outside the house. My sister was given chores inside the house like cleaning the living room. My parents stressed the need for good grades and education to my sister and me. We both worked hard in school so that we have a good life. My parents also believed that sheltering us would make us better individuals.
My view on gender differs from that of my parents. I think that children should be allowed to discover their gender. As a parent you can facilitate this process by allowing your child to experiment with everything even activities considered outside the gender of your child. For instance, if a boy finds cooking enjoyable it is okay. Girls should also be allowed to pursue what they like for example if a girl has an interest in being a car mechanic then that is okay.
The media has influenced how I view gender. It has taught respect for women for instance programs like Judge Judy have shown that women are professionals and should be respected. The media is also teaching boys to act like gentlemen toward ladies for instance opening doors for them. The media however, has double standards it portrays women as cheap sexual objects. It says sex sells, but I still respect women.
As a man I have seen women succeed in life. For instance my sister joined the military, a predominantly male profession. She is getting a college education and will graduate with honors. She is a strong woman who will act as a good example to her daughters and other women. In my life I have watched women overcome gender stereotypes for instance Hillary Clinton became the first woman to view for presidency in US history. In Africa there is a woman president in Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, she became president despite the conservative view in Africa that a woman’s place is the kitchen.
In conclusion I have seen the many theories put by feminists and other groups arguing that gender is nurture, I hold the view that gender is nature. Women find some tasks difficult such as lifting heavy loads difficult because of their biological structures. Women still play major roles in caring for the family and young children, which is a good thing. Society also finds it weird that some men are stay-at-home dads. Rather than arguing who should do what both sexes should embrace each other’s strengths and weaknesses.