Children and Gender Roles

This essay argues that in the 21st century, it is possible to create a child without any specific gender role. The article discusses the impact of gender on a child's identity and the benefits of non-conformity to traditional gender roles. The author cites the emergence of the third gender, women empowerment, and the legalization of gay marriages as factors that have led to the loss of significance of traditional gender roles.

Running head: CHILDREN AND GENDER ROLES
Children and Gender Roles
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

1CHILDREN AND GENDER ROLES
The construct of gender has formed an important aspect of the identity of human
beings since the traditional times and it is seen that the actions of individuals are determined
to a great extent on the basis of this factor. More importantly, it is seen that the human society
since the traditional times have segregated the kind of activities that the individuals from both
the sexes are required to perform. It is on the basis of this factor that the identities of males
and females have been formed. For example, since the early childhood, the notion that men
are the bread earners and females should contend themselves with various household choirs is
ingrained in the minds of children. However, in the 21st century it is possible to create a child
without specific gender role because of the changes in the thinking pattern of individuals and
also the rise of the third gender. In this essay I will argue the fact that in the 21st century it is
possible to create a child without any specific gender role.
The article “The Story of X” by Lois Gould offers insightful information on the
manner in which gender shapes the identity of a child. More importantly, the article by means
of describing a child who is named X shows the problems that an individual is likely to face
if they are deprived of their traditional gender roles. For example, in the article commenting
on the problems that the children are likely to face if they are deprived of their gender roles,
the author says, “X tried to smile, but there were two big tears in its eyes. ‘The lessons are
okay,’ X began, ‘but....’ ‘But?’ said Ms. Jones. "The Other Children hate me," X whispered”.
I personally believe that that the children in the article under discussion here do not hate X
because of his appearance or his intelligence but because of the fact that his name does not
conform to the traditional gender norms. However, the author at the same time stresses on the
likely benefits of such non-conformity to the traditional gender roles in the words that “Lucky
X - you don't have rules at all. All you have to do is be yourself”. I personally believe that
this is important since by concurring to the traditional gender roles or norms the individuals
needs to perform the roles that are required from the members of the concerned gender

2CHILDREN AND GENDER ROLES
whether they like it or no. However, by not conforming to the gender rules as well as norms
X is free to choose the kind of action that suits X the best. I believe that this is important from
the perspective of the contemporary society as well.
I believe that the contemporary society, unlike the ones of the earlier times, is a very
liberal one and tolerant towards the kind of actions on the part of individuals which were
considered to be sacrilegious in the earlier times. In this context, mention needs to be made of
gay and bisexual individuals who are free to choose their own lifestyle and also the kind of
gender roles or norms that they want to follow. More importantly, the emergence as well as
the recognition of the third gender or trans-genders is another factor which has lead to my
belief that in the 21st century it is possible to create a child who does not conform to any
gender norms. It is pertinent to note that these trans-gender individuals have the physical
attributes of both male and female individuals and thus they are free to conform to any gender
role or norm that they want to. In addition to this, because of the processes of women
empowerment, opportunities that are available to them and others have placed both men and
women on almost equal pedestal. The net result of this is the fact that there is no stringent
demarcation between the role of the male and female individuals. Thus, in the light of these
arguments it would be apt to say that in the 21st century it is possible to create a child without
any specific gender role.
To conclude, gender forms an essential part of the identity of the individuals and to a
great extent determines their actions. However, in the present times because of the change in
the attitude of people, empowerment of women, legalization of gay marriages and other
factors the notion of gender roles or norms in its traditional definition has lost its significant.
Thus, it can be said that because of these factors it is possible to create a child in the
contemporary society without any clear gender role or attributes.