Gender Socialization

Gender socialization is the continuous process that teaches and guides children how to behave in a society according to the social order, norms, customs, and traditions set by the society wherein they live, grow and die. It teaches the ways that are generally accepted by almost all the members of the society. However, almost every society is gender-sensitive, particularly the eastern societies including Pakistan. In this context gender socialization is a must. Gender socialization is by and large a particular process through which children learn about the social expectations, attitudes, and behaviors typically associated with boys and girls. These societal expectations, behaviors, and attitudes are influenced by many factors.



Three man showcasing Gender photoshoot




 

My early gender socialization began with my parents and my elder brothers and sisters. I was told how to behave with the elders; how to behave with my teachers and peers. In the beginning, it was hard to properly learn the basic attitudes and behaviors expected from a child. Then gradually I learnt and started abiding by the social principles set by the society.
The experiences and attitudes about gender as an adult are an interesting element amid the process of socialization. For instance, in social situations, the experiences as an adult are a matter of learning. For example, one cannot fire or is unable to fire with a gun if the gender is female. Similarly, this learning is achieved in certain situations that require responses according to gender sensitivities. In a bus, if the elder is standing the female cannot leave the seat for that old man. Similarly, in the same bus, a female cannot stand while males are sitting on their seats. This behaviour can also be seen in the education sector. Females hardly can join the police force or an engineering discipline due to the gender tags attached to these professions.



Transgender photoshoot





Media is found faulty and lopsided. It reinforces such stereotypes by leaps and bounds. Media has reinforced the forces that determine what the male is expected to do, his behavior in life and society and what are the parameters in the societal settings that the females of that society must conform to . The media tends to demean men in caring or domestic roles or those who oppose violence. Such portrayals can influence perceptions in terms of what society may expect from men and women, but also what they may expect from themselves Goodall. Media promotes this imbalance of the societal roles the men and women of the society must play. In practical terms, on the whole, it is the collective desire of the society to have a preference for the male child. This mentality is then reflected, demonstrated, and promoted by the same media outlets. In sum, it can be said that these societal attitudes do operate at all levels. Parents prefer males to females and their priorities are only for the male gender. This is demonstrated in the schools as well and there are specific parades, exercises, sports, and other extra curriculum activities. All these activities reflect and reinforce this attitudinal treatment meted to both males and females based on gender sensitivities. Once they are adults as well they are expected to behave according to societal principles. For instance, a female cannot marry according to her choice while a male is at large to decide it according to his consent. In the working setting, such attitudes are reflected as well. Females cannot intermingle with men freely though it depends on the respective nature of the society. In short these attitudes operate in social settings at almost all levels.