Essay On Femininity And Masculinity

1068 Words3 Pages

Most people have their own definition or idea of what they believe femininity and masculinity means to them. Some developed their definition from things they see or hear. Namely, children can develop a meaning of masculinity or femininity based on what their parents say and how they interact with one another. More simply, parents are the first people to demonstrate or mold masculinity and femininity to their children. In addition, school can have an influence on how people interpret femininity and masculinity. Mostly, their peers and teachers will have an impact on how they believe one should show maleness or femaleness. Furthermore, television will give people a different perspective on femininity and masculinity. Televisions provides a visual …show more content…

Most fathers demonstrate masculinity, by providing a home for his wife and children. Showing children that men are supposed to work and provide for the family will make children believe masculinity is having financial stability. Namely, boys will believe masculinity is being independent, while girl will believe it means being able to provide. In addition, most mother demonstrate femininity by cooking, cleaning, and catering to her children and her husband. Seeing women display nurturing and supportive behavior will make girls believe femininity is being a mother and wife. While boys will believe women are supposed to be caregivers. Furthermore, parents show children that people can display femininity and masculinity in their appearance. For instance, most women wear dresses, skirts, and makeup. However, most men are in pants or shorts. More simply, children will interpret femininity by wearing certain clothing and always being presentable. Therefore, parents displaying gender roles will have an impact on masculinity and …show more content…

School molds masculinity and femininity by showing children society expectations. Namely, in high school most teachers encourage males play sports, while encouraging females to focus on schoolwork. More simply, schools allow males to show their competitive, aggressive, physical behavior, because it displays masculinity. However, schools do not agree when girls show aggression or be physical, because it is seen as unladylike and unfeminine. In addition, peers influence masculinity and femininity by pressuring other to prove their maleness and femaleness. Most males are pressured to prove they are not fearful or weak. Namely, they will have to illustrate strength or power by fighting with others. In other words, people will began to believe masculinity is men showing others they are not afraid to be challenged. However, peers do not encourage females to show violent behavior, because they will be viewed as animalistic. More simply, femininity is women being kind and softhearted, so doing anything that goes against will be viewed negatively. Overall, schools and peers can influence how people believe femininity and masculinity should be

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