Harmful Effects of Traditional Gender Norms on Individuals and Society

Deconstructing the Gender Binary: Exploring the Harmful Effects of Traditional Gender Norms on Individuals and Society

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Deconstructing the Gender Binary: Exploring the Harmful Effects of Traditional Gender Norms on Individuals and Society

Society acknowledges gender as a determined binary of male and female. By carefully categorizing individuals as male or female, this structure enforces societal values and standards that constantly repress diversity and individualism (Krylova, 2016). However, a contemporary argument on gender challenges this classification, claiming that accepting and supporting diverse identities acknowledges the multifaceted nature of human identity, promotes inclusivity, and enhances acceptance. The shift towards gender equality challenges the societal rigidity of the gender binary system, emphasizing the need to accept the diversity inherent to gender identities (Blangsinga et al., 2021). Deconstructing the gender binary is an intricate endeavor that necessitates substantial changes across many aspects of society such as mindsets, legal structures, and education systems. It creates an environment where people feel free to share their identities without fear of prejudice in a gender-fluid society (Krylova, 2016). It also fosters a more welcoming society that respects individuals for their distinctive values not accepted gender norms.

Gender norms and roles are socially constructed behaviors and attitudes that society sees as acceptable for an individual to follow based on their assigned gender at birth. They determine how people behave, speak, dress, express themselves, and interact with others (Arnold, 2022). For example, females are generally expected to dress in a feminine way and be polite, accommodating, and nurturing whereas society expects men to be strong, aggressive, and bold. Every society, culture, and ethnic group has gender roles and expectations which vary from group to group and change in the same society over time (Eaton et al., 2020). These roles have existed throughout human history and are socially, culturally, biologically, and environmentally influenced. Together with historical influences, these factors explain why society is so gender-binary coded. They play a substantial role in shaping children’s physical development. Biologically, boys and girls are born with different sexual organs, which become further differentiated at puberty when secondary sexual characteristics emerge. Hormones are responsible for coordinating the appearance of these physical differences. They determine the gender identity and gender roles of a child (Weber, et al., 2019). Generally, society treats a child with male organs and masculine appearance as male and expects that child to adopt masculine behaviors. A similar approach exists in females. These biological contribute to the perception of two different sexes. Because of them, society believes that individual behaviors should match their sexuality.

Children's upbringing and social environments also impact gender identity and roles. It means that a child's behaviors, interests, preferences, and overall self-concept are shaped by parental and authority figure teachings. According to He & Zhou (2018), people learn gender roles and norms from families, friends, religious institutions, and the media that constantly influence their behaviors. In most societies, individuals endure the pressure to abide by specific models. Children who are taught that certain traits or behaviors are appropriate or inappropriate for them because they contradict their gender identity tend to internalize and be controlled by these teachings. For example, girls who are informed that boys are naturally better at science and math than they are may report a dislike for these subjects (Eaton et al., 2020). It is worth noting that children learn by observing and imitating their primary caregivers. Those raised watching their parents strictly adhering to gender roles are more likely to follow suit in their adulthood.

Regarding historical influences, several studies show that traditions, and norms reinforcing a binary understanding