I think that some characteristics of the way children act are from birth and others come from childhood and adolescence. Boys and girls have some form of knowledge going into Middle School and gain more from other kids. There is a sudden change in image and attitude with some children. It is very common that boys are afraid to act feminine because they will be seen as "gay." As girls grow up they tend to lean either towards the more girly side or towards the tomboy image. As the text states, "there is a focus on clothes, makeup, diet, and bodily presentation for girls." The text also states that the use of homophobic terms as insults increases with adolescence. I do not think that boys and girls are aware of these offensive terms from birth unless they grow up in a very open home.
When it comes to gender, looking to the larger society does have an impact. In general with toys, from a young age it is decided which toys are typically appropriate for boys and which are good for girls. The color plays a large part in determining who can play with it. For example, a parent is more likely to buy a pink bike for a girl and a blue bike for a boy since this is proper based on what society thinks. I do not really think that children like pink and blue based on their own thoughts. They may grow a love for this color because it is what they have played with all through childhood. The main reason they enjoy this color is because of the way toys are made and that is based on what society finds appropriate.
I think it depends on the situation whether or not the child likes playing with gender specific toys. Some parents will reward their kids for being gender appropriate while others will not care. I think some parents do not think that at a young age they have anything to worry about when it comes to gender roles and identity. I certainly think the media has a large impact on the way that children grow up. Seeing the way famous people behave makes children want to be like them. For example, I feel there was a huge increase in teenage pregnancy after Jamie Lynn Spears got pregnant.
When it comes to gender, looking to the larger society does have an impact. In general with toys, from a young age it is decided which toys are typically appropriate for boys and which are good for girls. The color plays a large part in determining who can play with it. For example, a parent is more likely to buy a pink bike for a girl and a blue bike for a boy since this is proper based on what society thinks. I do not really think that children like pink and blue based on their own thoughts. They may grow a love for this color because it is what they have played with all through childhood. The main reason they enjoy this color is because of the way toys are made and that is based on what society finds appropriate.
I think it depends on the situation whether or not the child likes playing with gender specific toys. Some parents will reward their kids for being gender appropriate while others will not care. I think some parents do not think that at a young age they have anything to worry about when it comes to gender roles and identity. I certainly think the media has a large impact on the way that children grow up. Seeing the way famous people behave makes children want to be like them. For example, I feel there was a huge increase in teenage pregnancy after Jamie Lynn Spears got pregnant.
I also think that there are children who change who they are to fit what others want them to be. They eventually become so encompassed in this lifestyle that they forget who they are. I do not work in a daycare or school, but I am pretty sure that teachers try to teach gender specific behavior to their kids. There needs to be some form of boundaries that kids have in the classroom. When boys want to play dress up I do not think that they should be reprimanded, but instead shown another activity to do. If girls act in an aggressive manner, I would hope the teacher explains that it is not acceptable.
Overall, I think there are some aspects that can influence how "naturally" children act as boys and girls. The color of toys plays an important role as well as society and children at school. I think a child's conception of how to act can change as the years go on, especially if they are too afraid to act like their real selves.
Overall, I think there are some aspects that can influence how "naturally" children act as boys and girls. The color of toys plays an important role as well as society and children at school. I think a child's conception of how to act can change as the years go on, especially if they are too afraid to act like their real selves.
No comments:
Post a Comment