by Angie Haggstrom

Created on: August 06, 2007

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

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