Question

One argument for the development of gender roles involves differential treatment by parents and others during the first years of life. Observe the manner in which individuals interact with infants/toddlers in their family and document ways in which girls and boys are treated differently. What messages are being given to these infants/toddlers about how they should behave given their gender? You can also reflect on the way you were treated by your parents and other adults as you were growing up. What messages did you get about how you should act based on your gender?

Answer 1

One of the most important things about developing gender roles is the difference in their dresses. Children are not allowed to cross dress and insisted on using gender appropriate dresses. Secondly playing with the toys where the parents suggest the boy kids to play with hard toys such as cars, machines and bikes whereas suggest the girl children to play with soft toys such as Barbie. Thirdly they are made colour consciousness such as blue for boys and pink for girls. Girl children are always instructed to obey male authorities including their elder brothers whereas the acts of boys are tolerated. Finally, Girls are not allowed to come out without a top but boys can come even with a shorts. Most of these have happened to me at my home and I believe that these are social norms that are considered as acceptable behaviours and gender norms. If one doesn’t follow these norms, it’s considered as deviant by popular culture and at times punished by the parents.

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