Gender norms have traditionally made women aware that they should have a soft and feminine behavior, and that men should be strong and masculine. These stereotypes, however, have a significant impact on people's well-being and well-being. As the world evolves, the perception of these old gender stereotypes is evolving.
And as the development of women 's feminist movement has raised issues about discriminatory perception and prejudice against women, the concept of new women' s human rights has developed, but men still can not escape from the traditional stereotypes. Just to act like a man and grow up.
"Act like a man"?
The social norms that have forced young boys to act like men or make them accept it as normal have already been fixed for many years. Some even think that saying this is the right thing to do.
However, in fact, the effects of parents and people around them are the most important to learn the expected behavior of the child from the young age. These social norms, however, are merely traditional and socially defined masculine ideologies surrounding cultural norms and expectations about the right behavior of men.
For centuries, images of masculinity have been stipulated by physical strength and athletic ability, control over situations, and heterosexual and family support. Even in the United States, which is often referred to as a developed country, the traditional male ideology consists of several perspectives that men should be family livelihoods, heterosexual as normative sexual orientation, and must be successful and physically strong.
Still, many still expect men to always control their emotions. It should be aggressive and fearless, and not be hurt. Another stereotyping is that violence must be a way to shape one's character, that is, to teach that men's fight can be socially tolerated. In addition, femininity and homosexual tendency are perceived as contrary to masculinity.
The influence of masculinity on young boys
Such a strict definition of men may have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of men. Such as depression and anxiety, substance abuse, interpersonal violence, increased health risks, and psychological distress.
Indeed, sociologists Dippett and Butchman pointed out that the sluggishness of boys in school is more related to the social norms of masculinity than the hormones, brain structure, and anatomy. And some of the problems that arise when constantly forcing young boys into masculinity are:
* Absence of emotional connectivity: Like other people, young boys also have feelings. However, gender stereotypes make emotions invisible to the outside world. This, in turn, leads people to think and act in the way they expect.
* Lack of a true relationship: From a young age all children want to be accepted in their social groups. However, awareness of masculinity plays a role in preventing these activities. And it can gradually make it difficult to establish and maintain relationships.
* Resolving Conflicts Physically: Imposing masculinity can help you grow up thinking that physical solutions are the best way to solve problems. As a result, you will not be able to build up social skills to solve the challenges you face as you grow up, and you will not recognize your own faults.
Objectiveizing and depreciating young girls: Boys who grew up in an environment that emphasizes masculinity only from a young age are unlikely to see girls as equal objects. This is because they learn to recognize feminine behavior or language as malicious and insulting. The concept of a girl can be regarded as a personality that is degraded compared to that of a man, for example, when a parent tells her not to talk like a girl or to point out a specific object as a girl.
Do not force male sex
The most important thing is to leave the gender and teach yourself the value of being true. Most parents, however, tend to bow to the prejudice and norms that society demands and neglect their children's welfare. Parents are now encouraged to raise the following two concepts to their young son:
* Accepting a child's feelings: Everyone has feelings and feelings regardless of gender. It is not good to tell the child to stop crying or to hide his feelings. Rather, it is ideal to recognize the child's feelings and always express that the parent wants to hear the child's words.
* Resolving conflict in a respectful way: It is important to teach that there are various ways to solve the problem without resorting to violence. You should also learn how to solve problems and manage emotions.
