In a hypothetical culture absent of gender stereotypes, is developing an internal gender identity important for children?
by 
ChaiCustard
ANSWERS: 5
-
I think everyone should have some idea of what their gender means to them, even if it's not stereotypically male/female identity. So, yes.
-
I saw a 60-minutes show in which the sub-text suggested that either society requires/forces a gender identity, or that acquiring one is an inevitable part of growth. My initial feeling was that developing a strong gender identity shouldnt really be necessary to becoming a normal human being. What do you think?
-
First, we don't live in a hypothetical world, so any answer has limited apllication. Second, we all develop identitites and sexuality is a part of that which should not be ignored. Fortunately the range of what is considered masculine or feminine is a broad one and accomodates for my different personal expressions.
-
I think that I can see both sides of your question. I think that some male attributes can be directed by testosterone..but that actual role models may be necessary for the outlets in order for it to be acted out as masculine--as society now views it.
-
I think young children should not be encouraged to identify with one gender or another. Toys and clothing could be warily unisex so that children will be able to explore the full range of their gender, meaning that females will be able to explore typical male play and etc. It would be interesting to see how young children would benefit if society did not treat the two, and the in between, genders as different. I think once children start asking why their genitals are different than the opposite sex then you can explain the concept of gender. And let the child explore their gender in the way they feel comfortable and without limits Yet to answer your question I think all of us struggle to define who we are in this world and that includes gender specific, intersex, or transexual identification.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC