Gender identity is defined as the internal sense of how an individual identifies themselves. This is separate from biological sex because that describes only the physiological attributes of an individual. Gender identity, however, is affected by social influences. As children we are constantly given rules for how to behave, which can be positive or negative. In many cases, negative influences like gender roles and toxic masculinity carry the most impact. These factors tend to limit an individual’s ability to develop their gender identity, as well as other aspects of their personality. Even in situations where the limitations can be removed, individuals may still struggle with judgement from others about their self expression.
As children develop, they are constantly influenced by gender roles. This places them into boxes based on their biological sex and tends to limit aspects of their personality. In some situations, individuals can feel unable to express parts of themselves that do not fit into their assigned ‘box’. For example, those who identify as girls may feel limited by the implications that society places on being feminine. This could result in a lack of interest in activities or traits that are considered ‘masculine’ (i.e. assertiveness, confidence, etc.). By forcing people to build their identity around gender roles, they are limited intellectually and socially.
Giving children the ability to formulate their gender identity without the pressure of social influences would eliminate the effects of gender roles in society. If people grew up with no gender based limitations they would not feel inclined to make judgments about others in school, the workplace, or otherwise. Women would no longer be considered unfit for positions of power due to a generalization of emotional state. Men would not be judged for exhibiting traits or working in jobs that are traditionally considered ‘feminine’. Those who identify with both or neither, would no longer be forced to use a restroom they are uncomfortable with. If people were not constrained by the effects of gender roles they would have more social freedom.
In order to achieve this social freedom, society needs to prioritize removing the current limitations. This progression needs to begin not only within individual families and communities, but within society as a whole. There are many cases in which guardian(s) have done their best to raise children without placing these restrictions on them. However, the effects of society on children’s behavior is unavoidable. When a child begins to see these limitations at school, daycare, etc. they are more inclined to react drastically. Although these children were raised in an environment where they were not limited by negative social influences, they are still affected by other societal factors.
As a whole, we need to make a more collective effort to provide this freedom for our children. No child should feel constrained or oppressed by the ideas that gender roles instill. No individual should feel unsafe when expressing who they are. Society should feel compelled to make the world a more comfortable place for people to be themselves and it starts with removing gender roles in children’s lives.
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