Arguments Against Gender Roles

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The constant battle of gender identity has become much more apparent in recent years. Fun fact: pink used to be a “boy color” and blue a “girl color,” totally contrary to what is accustomed now. Girls and boys are expected to stick to specific guidelines and rules asserted and expected by most of the population, resulting in gender roles. A gender role is a set of social norms establishing types of behaviors that are generally considered acceptable or appropriate for a person based on sex. The argument against maintaining gender roles has two argumentative sides. One, is that gender roles offer no real benefits and limit acceptability of one's self expression. The second, states that gender roles are a necessity to life and without these roles …show more content…

Around preschool age girls and boys acknowledge and follow stereotypical assumptions. Examples are girls should love pink and purple colors, play dress up, play house, like make up, and admire Barbie, whereas boys should enjoy action figures, playing with trucks, building things with blocks, and love blue and green colors. Assumptions on gender this early in life will stay with the child throughout growing up and will make it seem like it's acceptable to think so close mindedly. Not only does this limit children’s personalities it also limits how they are …show more content…

Parents are the first and most influential role model in a child's life. As a parent teaching kids to “play with the opposite gender, shatter stereotypes by partaking in opposite gender behaviors, as well as questioning all generalizations” will result in an unbiased and accepting child (Solomon). If a parent thinks more close mindedly and reinforces said stereotypes the child in question will likely believe and follow the stereotypes. A fear that the removal of gender bias and stereotyping will result in getting rid of gender altogether and the so called “order” that is in place today is ridiculous. Gender does not define a person's ethics or values in regular society. The country and âlaws will still run efficiently, it's just a matter of equality in every way for both women and men. Another thing often forced onto children is religion. While forcing children to go to church or follow any religion is another argument, churches also participate in reinforcing gender bias. David Csinos

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