Question

To break down gender norms, what are some steps we could take now so that future generations will not have to experience what we do?

Answer 1

Gender stereotype is etched in the minds of young children. One of the major stereotypes is, boys wearing blue and girls wearing pink. Blue denotes masculinity and pink denotes feminity.

Gender Neutrality can come into existence, breaking down the gender norm, only when we all begin to believe that men and women are equal, even physically. Men are naturally born stronger than women. But we have so many women out there competing with other men physically. I reckon, all women should feel secure physically which would boost their confidence and will never feel inferior to any man. These are the only superficial discriminations. In any field of work, there exists the "glassdoor effect" wherein no woman is ever allowed to reach the top most position. In every field a woman is paid lesser than her male counterpart. A gender neutral world would make a lot of things easier for women as it is otherwise a patriarchal society.

The following steps can be taken with young children to etch gender neutrality and no fixated gender roles and norms in their minds;

1. The freedom of choosing between boy toys or girl toys, give them an edge in exploring themselves. They decide what they like. They are not forced to be stuck to toys that are meant for only "boys" or "girls".

2. Exposing to more activities and interests instead of confining them to only certain activities, else they are restricted to doing what they are ought to enjoy. It is usually only girls who like to be involved in the kicthen. The boys are usually flinging their cars on their makeshift ramps.

3. Without discriminations letting them get to be who they truly are and want to be.

4. Letting young children make their own choices and not letting them be pertinent to the gender norms, would only result in a boosting their self esteem and a clearer self-concept of oneself. This would also help in them being more confident and self aware.

It's all about letting children make their own choices without telling them what is gender approperiate, would eventually lead to breaking down gender norms, so that the future generations will not have to experience what we now typically do.