Gender and sex are not the same — see Box 1. Gender is a societal construct that divides the population into two different categories: male and female. From a young age, people are taught what is ‘appropriate’ for those particular roles. Women are to cook and clean, enjoy fashion and beauty, while men are only to like cars and football and wear trousers and must try to be ‘alpha’. As we grow older, we may start to feel that these moulds aren’t for us. For some people, because of peer pressure or family pressure, the mould isn’t allowed to be broken due to traditional values.
I was lucky enough to be raised by my mother and her parents in a very accepting environment where I was allowed to express myself in whatever capacity I wanted. I was allowed to explore football and judo, I could attend dance and drama classes. I was bought dolls and art equipment for birthdays and Christmases and was always encouraged to create. When I was five, I remember an intense yearning to go into town in a dress and for people to tell me how pretty I was, but I was too scared to say or do anything because that wasn’t what boys were supposed to do.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
