Gender Socialization

Gender socialization is the process through which people learn the behaviors, roles, and expectations society associates with being male or female. From a young age, individuals observe and imitate how others act, what toys they play with, and how they are treated based on their gender. This learning occurs through family, media, peers, and cultural norms, shaping their understanding of gender roles. Ultimately, gender socialization influences identity, preferences, and interactions, often reinforcing traditional ideas about what it means to be male or female in a given society.