Gender Roles

It has been long debated, the differences between girls and boys. After much analysis, the consensus is that these gender roles are culturally developed and reinforced. I internalized American sex-role behavior and used it in my daily life. In middle school I was deciding what sport to play. The social acceptance of playing a sport was appealing. I didn't want to be too girly because at 5'2" at age 13, I didn't feel very dainty. Growing up with brothers and possessing a strong drive, I didn't mind playing rough. With that, I decided to play field hockey.

(Caroline Nichols, my co-captain senior year of high school, she went on to be on the Olympic Team)

This decision and my continuation with the sport through high school had a lasting effect on my development. I was first drawn to the sport because you got to wear a skirt (kilt) during games but in high school field hockey players did not fit well into gender roles. I often had to defend myself against claims of being a dyke because at 5'9" in the 10th grade in peak physical condition, I had more of a masculine physique. My attitude with boys didn't help the situation either. I had stereotyped boys/men and believed they just wanted sex and they didn't care about women. I inferred this through observation of my life, and media. Media reinforces, I would say more negatively, gender roles. Television, magazines and media give so much unrealistic gender role information.

On another note about gender role, I always wanted to be a teacher but had reluctance because I viewed it as a traditionally woman role. I have rejected the 1950s housewife idea with force. I have molded myself to be the antithesis of what a 1950s housewife represented to me. I am independent, motivated, honest and self-sufficient. As I have come into relationships and having a son, I have embraced my inner housewife.

Like American gender roles, my life has evolved to be more open and inclusive to not assign specific tasks to a gender. I learned with time, it is not wise to close off parts of oneself just because it is not socially acceptable because you won't evolve to be a whole and integrated individual.