Culture Determines Gender Roles
Culture definitely aids in the determination of gender roles. Socialization in
all cultures is directly linked to the final product of a human being. Culture
dictates, at a very young age, how boys and girls are supposed to act, feel and
respond to certain situations.
Boys and girls are separated by gender at birth. Boys are wrapped in blue
blankets and girls in pink. Before a child is born, everyone close to the
family wants to know what the child will be, so they will know what to
purchase. This is very common practice throughout our society. Boys are taught
to play with trucks, trains, male action figures, swords and guns. These items
aid in defining masculinity. Girls, on the other hand, are taught to play with
dolls, toy stoves or easy bake ovens, and other toys to aide them in
identifying with nurturing. These factors lead to identifying gender roles by
our society. Anything that deviates from this is considered somewhat abnormal.
For instance, if a small male child wants to play with dolls, most fathers will
immediately intervene and provide them with a more masculine toy. At the very
least, he will show disapproval. Girls, on the other hand, may be labeled as a
tom boy if they show interest in his truck.
These actions move through adolescence and well into adulthood. Our society is
changing true enough. However, these actions are very much in line with the
traditional American family.
Certain items labeled as household chores are also fitted into this formula.
Boys mow grass, take out the trash and do most of what is determined to be
“men’s work.” Girls are expected to wash dishes, mop floors, wash laundry and
other feminine chores. Our society has seen numerous changes in these roles,
yet our culture has dictated these changes and made them acceptable.