What Are Little Boys Made Of Snips And Snails And Puppy D

Thenwhat Are Little Boys Made Ofsnips And Snails And Puppy Dogs

"THEN" What are little boys made of? "Snips and snails, and puppy-dogs' tails, That's what little boys are made of. What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice, and everything nice, That's what little girls are made of." -Robert Southey (n.d.)

"NOW" "If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it!" -Beyonce Knowles (2008)

When you were growing up, whoever raised you somehow taught you about what girls are, what girls do and are expected to do, and also what boys are, what boys do and are expected to do, etc. What were you taught about BOTH boys and girls? Who taught you, and how did they convey it to you? As an adult, how do you feel now about the things you were taught regarding gender? How have your sex and/or gender impacted your life experiences?

Reflecting on childhood gender socialization, it is evident that many individuals internalize specific roles and expectations based on their gender. The teachings about boys and girls often stem from family, community, media, and education, each conveying gender norms that influence behavior, aspirations, and self-perception. I was taught that boys should be strong, independent, and not show vulnerability, while girls were encouraged to be nurturing, obedient, and concerned with appearance. These messages were primarily conveyed through parental guidance, societal norms, and media portrayals.

In my case, my parents emphasized traditional gender roles—my father often highlighted qualities such as resilience and self-reliance for boys, while my mother encouraged nurturing and domestic responsibilities for girls. These lessons were reinforced through stories I read, television shows I watched, and peer interactions, creating a framework of expectations that subtly dictated how I should behave based on my gender. For example, I was discouraged from expressing too much emotion publicly, which was viewed as a sign of weakness for boys, and I was often complimented or criticized based on my appearance, a reflection of societal emphasis on femininity.

As I have matured, my perspective on these gendered teachings has evolved significantly. While some principles, such as valuing compassion and resilience, are positive, I recognize that many of the prescribed roles and stereotypes were limiting and sometimes harmful. They created constraints on emotional expression for men and placed undue emphasis on appearance and compliance for women. This realization has led me to challenge rigid gender expectations and advocate for more fluid definitions of gender roles that allow individuals to pursue their authentic interests without societal pressures.

My sex and gender identity have shaped my life experiences in various ways. For example, societal expectations influenced the choice of hobbies, career paths, and social interactions. As a woman, I faced stereotypes about leadership capabilities and the acceptability of assertiveness, which at times hindered my progress in professional settings. Conversely, being aware of these biases enabled me to develop resilience and consciousness around gender equality, motivating me to pursue roles traditionally considered male-dominated and to support initiatives that promote gender inclusivity.

Moreover, understanding the gender socialization I experienced has deepened my empathy for others who struggle against stereotypes or face discrimination due to their gender identities. It has prompted me to become more active in fostering an environment where gender expectations are flexible and inclusive. Recognizing how gender socialization shapes experiences emphasizes the importance of continuous reflection and societal change to break down harmful stereotypes and empower everyone to live authentically.

In conclusion, the lessons imparted about gender during childhood are powerful influences that extend into adult life, affecting perceptions, opportunities, and personal development. While some teachings may have positive aspects, many stereotypes are restrictive and unjust. Being aware of these influences allows for a conscious effort to redefine gender roles, promoting an inclusive society where individuals are free to express their true selves without the burden of societal expectations.

References

• Beyoncé Knowles. (2008). If You Like It Then You Shoulda Put a Ring on It [Song].
• Southey, R. (n.d.). Little Boys Made of Snips and Snails. In Mother Goose Rhymes.
• Kimmel, M. S. (2017). The gendered society. Oxford University Press.
• Connell, R. W. (2018). Gender: Basic concepts. In Gender & Society. Wiley & Sons.
• Weitzer, R. (2010). Sightings of gender: How our social context shapes gender perceptions. Sociological Perspectives, 53(4), 561-577.
• Ryan, C. S. (2015). Sex and gender socialization. Journal of Marriage and Family, 77(1), 3-18.
• Hawkesworth, M. E. (2018). Gender and politics: A comparative approach. Routledge.
• Fausto-Sterling, A. (2012). Sex/gender: Biology in a social world. Routledge.
• Devor, A. H. (2004). Witnessing and mirroring: Juncture of two sorts of gender authoritarianism. Journal of Homosexuality, 46(3-4), 123-154.
• Connell, R. W. (2002). Gender and power: Society, the person and sexual politics. Stanford University Press.