Masculinity and Femininity in Society

Masculinity and Femininity in Society 

In the world today and throughout time, the expectations of men and women have been prevalent in society. The belief that men need to be extremely masculine or women being extremely feminine is at the core of gender expectations around the world.

The many assumptions for men include hiding their emotions, being aggressive or dominant, tough and less sensitive. These stereotypes can damage a man's view of their personality and need to live up to these standards. Without the ability to be able to discuss emotions with others, men can keep all of these emotions boiled up and not know how to deal with these emotions or feelings properly. Men can also be made fun of by their peers for not acting extremely masculine or presenting themselves in a way that a 'man' would not. 

Women in society also have many expectations to be sensitive, emotional, and dependent. When female children are raised, these stereotypes are drilled into their head to be girly and act like a 'girl'. Although, the negative impacts of teaching girls this at a young age is that when the child is older, they still feel they cannot stand up for themselves and feel the need to be extremely dependent. Society also tells women that they must focus on raising a family or getting married instead of pursuing their professions. 

In order to evolve from these stereotypes about how we're expected to act, speak, dress, and conduct ourselves based upon our gender, society must understand that these expectations do not fully represent an individual. By abandoning these stereotypes in society, allows both men and women to express their real selves and emotions.