Gender Roles

I really enjoyed our discussion on gender roles this week. I think it was extremely interesting to hear the different experiences and upbringings from different members of the class. We all have different backgrounds and sibling situations that make our experiences different. There are many different variables that go into making a certain gender the way that they are. Some of the things that are technically considered to be gender specific roles are not necessary true for all individuals. We are all born with innate personalities that make us who we are. We discussed the importance of not only teaching your girls things that are typical for girls and boys skills that are typical for boys. It is beneficial for children to be well rounded and be taught how to do a variety of things. Parents should parent each child despite their gender differently depending on their personality. Siblings will have an influence as well as parents. 

I know in my family of three girls and one boy there were a lot more emotions that the typical family. My brother although a male with many naturally masculine traits was born sensitive. The was only heightened by the fact that he was raised with a bunch of women. My older sister was a tom boy until high school. Then I came along and was a girly girl. This just proves that although certain characteristics are gender specific it does not mean that all individuals will possess those characteristics.