Introduction
It is imperative to note that many countries have started to focus on gender equality over the last few years, and many scholars have made suggestions on how current problems may be addressed. Some think that boys and girls should be treated equally from the very start, and it is true for educational facilities because children learn how to interact with other individuals of their age there. Moreover, some schools in Sweden have utilized this approach to ensure that any possible unfairness is avoided (Leach par. 2). It would be beneficial to apply the concepts suggested by Herbert Mead to identify if such an approach is reasonable.
Discussion
The philosopher suggests that the way an individual thinks about herself or himself is affected by social interactions. It is stated that one analyzes the behavior of others, and it is not a biological precondition. Also, he draws attention to such aspects as language and the game because they are crucial most of the time. The concepts of “I” and “Me” are also worth highlighting, and a philosopher stated that there is an enormous difference between them, but they are connected with each other.
The ability to speak and express the emotions of humans allows one to interpret the behaviors and actions of others. One of the most significant aspects that should not be overlooked is that young people are very easy to influence, and they remember all the information from the environment. It is quite evident that everything that surrounds an individual has an enormous impact on his or her perspective on life. The difference between Mead’s theory and ideas suggested by others is that he has identified that social interactions are a vital part of the process of construction of one’s identity. One analyzes the way people react to words and actions and starts to act differently on a subconscious level.
This theory supports the idea that gender is a social construct, and many behaviors are learned over the course of a lifetime. Moreover, many feminists agree with this perspective, and they believe that the way social influences are capable of changing a person’s life is frequently overlooked. For instance, it is quite evident that boys and girls are not equally treated when they are growing up, and parents also have different expectations.
The fact that they are frequently being told to behave in particular ways needs to be highlighted. It is not likely that people would act in the same way if they were not under constant pressure from society. One of the aspects that are worth mentioning is that Mead has suggested that instincts are social, and this statement may be regarded as highly questionable. However, he recognized the fact that they are based on predispositions and may be connected with impulses (Parkovnick 295). He did not reject the physiological basis but prioritized other aspects most of the time.
On the other hand, it is possible to argue with this position if the animal kingdom is examined because it is possible to identify particular patterns. It is paramount to note that males and females act differently in most species, but exceptions are also present.
However, it is imperative to understand that humans have gone against the rules of nature, and they are not as limited in their ability to develop as animals because they have learned how to build and how to take advantage of their surroundings. It is possible to state that such rules should not apply in this case. On the other hand, biological differences play a role, but their importance is frequently overvalued. Moreover, the need to treat children differently based on their gender is quite questionable. One may argue that such approaches have established over the years in many societies, and they may seem natural. However, it is important to acknowledge the fact that humanity had to deal with numerous changes.
The introduction of modern technologies such as the Internet and social media is especially interesting, and it would not be an easy task to predict that they could change the way an individual thinks about the others and changes the behavior accordingly. A possible objection against the gender-neutral approach to education is that modern society has managed to achieve incredible heights, and society is becoming much more peaceful.
Moreover, it is possible to state that the outcome of such dramatic changes is not easy to predict, and it may be beneficial to look at the experience of other countries to identify if the approach is efficient. One of the studies has shown that girls are more likely to be competitive in a society that is focused on equality. Also, results indicate that boys take risks much more frequently (Duvall 11). Furthermore, it is clear that females can be unfairly treated by society and the process of education.
The dissimilarity between genders is present even if any possible discrimination is eliminated. Moreover, it would be beneficial to address the factors that could limit girls and prevent them from participating in particular activities, but physiological differences should be acknowledged. Both men and women may deal with problems related to perception. Interactions with others are vital for every individual, and it may not be an easy task to accept unfair treatment and discrimination. One should not be forced to act in a particular way that is viewed as appropriate according to the society not to be excluded. External pressure may be enormous in some cases, and it could lead to psychological issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to state that the theory suggested by Mead has some merit, and may be regarded as reasonable. It is hard to argue with the fact that social interactions affect the way people behave and may change an individual in some cases. The idea to introduce gender-neutral schools may seem questionable at first because people are too used to standard approaches. However, it is important to understand that its primary purposes are to avoid complications, and particular limitations are also removed. Furthermore, negative consequences are not likely if educators do not try to correct the behavior that is normal.
One may have a reduced level of confidence in himself or herself because of particular social factors, according to the ideas suggested by Mead. Overall, it would be reasonable to eliminate aspects that could hurt the perception of a person and could have a lasting impact on their lives. It is possible to state that such schools are appropriate, but the fact that this approach is relatively new is problematic because an appropriate curriculum needs to be developed, and much more time is required to reach the desired outcome.
Works Cited
Duvall, John N. “Gender Differences in Competitiveness and Risk Taking: Comparing Children in Colombia and Sweden.” Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization 83.1 (2012): 11-23. Print.
Leach, Anna. “”It’s All About Democracy”: Inside Gender Neutral Schools in Sweden.” The Guardian. 2016. Web.
Parkovnick, Sam. “George Herbert Mead’s Social Psychology.” The American Sociologist 46.2 (2015): 294-299. Print.