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males and females continue to be treated differently because both males and females cannot escape the gender roles society has placed on them. From the time we are born, straight through adulthood, each and every one of us experiences the limitations that gender roles put on us. We are bounded by stereotypes, and if one should ever choose to step off the edge, he/she is at risk for both ridicule and rejection. By closely examining the journey through one’s life, one can see how gender roles prevent equality of the sexes and how both sexes are prevented from reaching their full potential as human beings. Even as an infant, one is already starting to be molded into his/her stereotypical role; whether it is male or female. For instance, boys come home from the hospital wrapped in blue blankets while girls go home in pink. If it were the other way around, many people would have a big problem with that. Into the childhood years, the gap between males and females continue to broaden. Once again, the parents teach their children to act in a way that is “appropriate” for their gender. For instance, “Adults tend to compliment and encourage girls more, particularly in nurturance play, such as taking care of dolls. They hold higher expectations for boys and provide them with more reinforcement for meeting goals” By looking at the above information, one begins to realize how significant this is to the development of gender stereotypes. Boys are supposed to be strong, aggressive, and play with toy soldiers. Girls, on the other hand, are expected to be sweet, nurturing, and to play with dolls. My father was furious when he discovered us all playing together. He did not want his only son dressed up as a girl. It was not “appropriate” in his eyes, and it never happened again in my house. This childhood memory exemplifies that, “Parents (especially fathers) tend to encourage traditional sex-typed behavior, discouraging play with toys that are typical of the opposite gender” (Westen 487). So, as children enter adolescence they know and understand how they are supposed to act, depending on their gender.
Approximate Word count = 1423
Approximate Pages = 5.7
(250 words per page double spaced)
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