Mead’s Influence on Feminism

George Herbert Mead’s work on socialization emphasized that identity, including gender roles, is shaped through interactions and societal expectations rather than innate traits. His idea that the self develops through communicative processes influenced feminist thought by highlighting how gender roles are socially constructed rather than biologically determined. This perspective supports feminist efforts to challenge restrictive gender norms, advocating for greater awareness of how society influences gender identities. Mead’s insights contributed to understanding gender as a dynamic, learned aspect of identity, encouraging feminist movements to push for equality and broader recognition of diverse gender expressions.