In the recent years, the conversation about gender identities has been growing tremendously. Numerous factors are associated with the increased popularity of gender identities. One of the key influences has been the modern society shifting away from the two traditional genders, male and female. The world comprises over 50 genders and it is upon someone to determine their specific identity. In simple terms, gender identity refers to an individual’s perception and idea of possessing a specific gender, which may or fail to adhere to their birth sex. Aspects such as social class, race, and culture among other identity categories influence the gender identity that individuals select. I identify as a cisgender woman and the development of this identity is related to body politics and the social learning theory. Every individual should seek to identify a gender identity that they feel is suitable for themselves and should avoid doing it at the behest of the societal, racial, or cultural pressure and expectations.
Gender identity is an important part of the being of a person. Cultural norms and institutions play a crucial role in the gender construction and maintenance process (De Francisco, Catherine, and Danielle 29). As mentioned above, I identify as a cisgender woman, which means that I identify with the same gender assigned at birth. One of the main possibilities behind my gender construction process is because of the environment I was brought up in. Ever since I was a child there was always the need to act prim and proper always backed by the phrase “act like a lady.” My father enforced rules regarding wearing “appropriate” clothing for women, not to speak a certain way, and how women are expected to date. This unconsciously made me wary of the way I acted and the way I conducted myself. Therefore, I grew up with the condition that I always need to act like a girl or a woman and meet all the societal expectations.
Looking back, I understand the role of the social learning theory on my upbringing and gender construction process. The social learning theory identifies that social conduct and behavior emerges from imitating and observing other people (De Francisco 38). In addition to my father’s strict rules, I was always given examples of behaviors that I ought to copy and adopt from other women. Such behaviors and conduct revolved around numerous things such as dressing, talking, and relationship expectations. As a result, I grew up observing and imitating these behaviors and they had a huge influence in the development of my gender identity and how I behaved.
The body politics that come with identifying as a female is enormous. Body politics refers to how the genders are expected to care for their bodies as well as the way everyone’s body should look. Growing up, there was always the constant urge about how to mind my body as a female. If even a hair was out of place, it would elicit teases. Therefore, I find myself being very mindful about how I carry myself around. Even despite this caution, I often feel like it is very unfair to have all these conditions and expectations involving women, yet men are exempt from them. It only goes to prove how the society is very critical of women while being unfair in showing the same criticism towards men. The modern society and future generations should move away from these traditional societal and gender views and perceptions.
Sadly enough, being a female often comes with some form of objectification. Objectification refers to how society views people as solely objects meant for the pleasure of the viewer. Some cultures and societies often and still objectify the women, despite the progress that has been achieved towards their empowerment. The society is often filled with perceptions about how people who are cisgender should behave and mostly this stems from a point of objectification. The depths of the objectification of women trace back to the traditional societies and their gender roles. Women were considered property in these societies and their main role was to cater for their families and husbands. It explains why they lacked any form of power and authority, at home and in the society.
Personally, this form of objectification has made me at times be wary of myself in order to conform to the societal constructions of being a female. The “rules” for being a woman in society often contradict themselves. For example, women are expected to be sexy yet classy, resilient but not to overbearing for the man. Oftentimes we work hard to educate and make a living for ourselves, to then be downplayed in the work field because we are viewed as less than. It is very unfair for societies and cultures to continue objectifying women and treating them in that manner, yet we have proven that we are deserving of all the privileges accorded to men.
Although I identify as a cisgender woman, I am open to all other sexualities and I believe that everyone has the right to be who they want to be and do what makes them happy. Regardless how someone identifies I believe everyone should be treated equal and should not be expected to conform to societal standards. No one has a right to judge and reprimand other gender identities, instead the world should works towards being more accommodating and trying to understand the different identities.
Works Cited
DeFrancisco, Victoria, Catherine Palczewski, and Danielle Dick McGeough. Gender in Communication: A Critical Introduction, Second Edition. Sage Publications, Inc.: 2013.
