Gender roles refer to the primary behavior patterns associated with a certain sex and are often ingrained in the mind of a child early on in life. Despite the push for gender equality we've seen in recent years, influences such as gender stereotypes in the media, as well as the roles demonstrated and promoted by parents instill a definite sense of duty for a child to adhere to his or her role as a girl or boy. It is also debated as to whether or not gender roles are based upon a supposed innate gender identity or influenced by the surrounding environment.

Media plays an important role in enforcing typical gender stereotypes and biases. Although most women feel that the 1950's housewife mentality has died out, the fact remains that even in the twenty-first century we still have products such as the Easy-Bake Oven being marketed towards little girls. In 1991, a game was played in an elementary school called Careers for Girls' in which stereotypical professions such as secretary and supermom were mentioned. On the other hand, even boys are supposedly limited in their abilities according to typical gender roles. Most children are never even aware that men can be nurses, hair-stylists, secretaries, or even stay-at-home dads. Even subtle hints towards gender roles have a dramatic impact. Perhaps some of the least obvious but most offensive examples deal with the differing demeanors of both girls and boys. Stores such as GAP publish ads featuring shy little girls sitting quietly and rambunctious anti-social boys performing a myriad of engaging activities.

Surprisingly, parents also play a role in the stereotyping of gender roles. If a boy prefers to play dress-up or play with dolls, his parents will often discourage it. On the same note, girls who prefer to play with cars or other stereotypically male toys, although they may not face the same degree of reprimand as a boy playing with girls toys, will more than likely be discouraged by their parents. These children just begin to learn that boys aren't supposed to play with girl toys, and vice versa. These minor chastisements pave the way for concrete guidelines of gender to follow for life.

In spite of these outside influences, it is oftentimes debated as to whether or not biology plays a part in the establishment of gender roles in children. Gender identity oftentimes determines gender role, and evidence suggests that gender identity is biologically determined. David Reimer, through a surgical mistake at birth, was determined to be female and raised as such. Later on in life it was determined that his gender identity was that of a male, thus proving that environment had little or no effect as opposed to his biological predisposition.

Learn more about this author, Kelly Grzech.
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