Break the Norms

By: Saba Aamir Layout Designer Have you ever experienced social pressure to behave a certain way? Well, that's because the patriarchal nature of our society makes you feel that way. Certain societal gender roles represent “acceptable” qualities of how men and women are supposed to dress, act and present themselves, and we are expected to act accordingly. In our society, men are associated with strength, dominance and aggression, while women are associated with being nurturing, submissive and emotional.* These gender roles not only hold men and women to commonly held preconceptions and stereotypes but also restrict their capacity to grow personally, pursue occupations and make decisions about their individual lives. Additionally, young boys and girls conform to these roles at a young age, which adversely affects how they develop into adults. According towww.usatoday.com, "The biggest myth perpetuated about gender, researchers found, is that once girls hit puberty, they are vulnerable and in need of protection to preserve their sexual and reproductive health, while boys are seen as strong and independent." Having children fit into society's expectations prevents them from developing their gender identity, finding their interests and expressing themselves. I asked a University of St. Francis junior, Lissette Perez, how gender roles affected her growing up until now. She said, "Growing up, my dad always encouraged me to be more than what society expected me to be, but he does have this idea on how women should act and be like. I have had people tell me, mainly aunts and uncles, I should be more "feminine" or not hang around my boy cousins so much but I've never let it question who I am. I think gender roles are stupid because it has nothing to do with whether you're a man or woman but more of what you can and cannot handle." Inequalities and unequal treatment are also sustained through wrongful gender stereotypes. For instance, in many workplaces, women are not treated equally to male employees and receive lower pay grades than men. In the world of sports,

Break the Norms! men and women face traditional gender socialization, as it creates a barrier for women to participate in "masculine" sports and for men to participate in "feminine" sports. Therefore, many female athletes are usually accepted by society and given media coverage only if they participate in traditionally feminine sports, according towww.thesporsjournal.com. Nowadays, people are challenging these gender roles. They point them out in various media mediums and speak up against sexist comments. Lissette Perez stated that Gen Z is the leading group of the change: "Gen Z is stepping out of the older Generation expectations and stereotypes, and they're doing it for themselves and no one else, and I am here for it." Breaking gender norms allows people to express their best selves. It is admirable to see people challenge the stereotypes and build a society where everyone is respected equally because nobody should be forced to fit into a box of these expectations.

*The Catholic Church only recognizes the traditional gender roles.