Does biology or society have a stronger influence on the development of our gender identity?

Society

1 of 21

by Angie Haggstrom

• 

Write now Print Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites RSS Feed Contact this writer

Society, rather than biology, is the main determining factor in defining one's gender identity. Biological make up and physical traits are unique to each individual. Society tells us that if we possess certain physical components, then we need to behave according to the rules that it has determined as normal. Females, males, and those caught in between are told what to say, how to behave, and what thoughts and dreams are appropriate.

Females are groomed from birth to suit society's standards of behavior. Girls play house, dolls, wear pink, and follow in the footsteps of their female role models. If a girl demonstrates boy-like behaviors, she is labeled as "tom boy" and pressured to change by the world around her.

Male children are reared to be strong and even unemotional. Boys are encouraged to play with trucks, building blocks, and develop interest in sports. They are taught to follow male role models by choosing a lifestyle that society will deem not only as acceptable, but is seen as a successful male role. "Be a man" or "toughen up" are common phrases used by their peers. Males who do not follow the rules are given labels and pressure is exerted on them to change.

Trans gender individuals and homosexuals may be physically different, but it is their behavior patterns that set them apart. Many trans gender people have had their identity chosen for them at birth. As they grow and develop, they choose their likes and dislikes. Society then takes this information and decides whether that person is following the correct path.

Homosexuals are those who are the mental and emotional opposite of their physical make up. Society sees these people doing the reverse of what they should. For example, a woman who portrays male qualities is still considered female.

Society's gender paradigm limits educational and career choices. Females are encouraged to work in industries such as food, childcare, and nursing. Jobs in these areas focus on what society sees as skills that women should excel at.

For women who choose to follow an educational or career path outside of what society finds acceptable, conflict and inequality are common. Girls who desire to enter the field of construction, for example, are expected to work longer hours, out perform their male counterparts, and be willing to do the dirty jobs. They collect less pay than men and have to work twice as hard to climb the ladder of success. The same is true for men who chose positions and education thought of as feminine.

The roles of men and women in relationships are also structured by society. Women are expected to care for the home and children. The main objectives for men are to be protective and provide an income to adequately support the household. Conflict often arises between a man and a woman when they feel that their partner does not satisfactorily fit into their gender identity.

When women decide to take employment outside of the home, they often need to convince their significant other that they can fill both roles effectively. Men also view this as an infringement on their household role as provider. Men who want to look after the home and children appear to their community as being lazy and useless. Men and women judge their success as a husbands, wives, mothers and fathers on how successfully they fit into society's gender identities.

Society's methods of influence are wide spread. Media, business, peers, adults, and even the education system dictate society's ideas of acceptable conduct for the genders. Feminism and macho-ism only seem to heighten the differences between the sexes. Competition is strongly encouraged. On items such as mailing addresses, men are listed first.

Although there are biological differences, it is society that defines our gender role. Biology indicates whether we are male or female, but society tells each of the sexes which identity they will have.

Learn more about this author, Angie Haggstrom.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.