From the moment we are born, society presents us with clear-cut definitions of what it means to be a “man” or a “woman”. We find ourselves surrounded by expectations regarding how we should behave, dress, work, speak, express our feelings and emotions, and even love. However, many of us never stop to question why we are expected to act a certain way based solely on our birth assigned sex.

It is a common misconception that gender roles and norms are based entirely on human biology. In reality, they are shaped by culture, media, family environment, education, and several other factors that aren’t related to natural human behaviour, which makes them social constructs. Besides, gender roles and norms vary dramatically across different societies and periods of history.

Some of the gender stereotypes we know today weren’t always present in the past. For example, blue being the colour “for boys” and pink being the colour “for girls” is a relatively new concept. Pastel colours for baby clothing – including blue and pink – were introduced in the mid-19th century. However, they did not become sex-specific colours until the 20th century, when some stores began suggesting “sex-appropriate” colours. In 1918, Earnshaw’s Infants’ Department claimed the “generally accepted rule is pink for the boys, and blue for the girls. The reason is that pink, being a more decided and stronger color, is more suitable for the boy, while blue, which is more delicate and dainty, is prettier for the girl.” Only in 1940’s, pink became the “girls’ colour”, while blue became the colour “for boys”. Additionally, during the Middle Ages in Europe, high heels were exclusively meant for men, being seen as a “sign of power and masculinity”.

Gender roles/norms are fluid

Gender roles emerged as a way to organise the fundamental tasks within early human society. However, in many of the modern societies, traditional gender roles become irrelevant, with both men and women being capable of performing many of the same tasks. Despite this, women are still sharply underrepresented at the top of workplaces, face discrimination in hiring and promotions, and are paid less for the same amount and quality of work. At the same time, wives are expected to perform most of the household chores and handle childcare, even if they earn as much as (or more than) their spouses.

“Gender” and “sex” aren’t the same

Another problem found within social and legal frameworks is the interchangeable use of the words “gender” and “sex”, when there is actually a major difference between the two. Sex refers to one’s biology (chromosomes) and sex-defined physical characteristics, while gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, and identities of men, women, and gender-diverse people. Therefore, sex is anatomical, while gender is social and psychological. Regardless, some people believe that gender roles are crucial because of the biological differences between men and women, and that traditional gender roles are simply “in our nature”.

Although there are people who find themselves comfortable fitting into the traditional gender roles and the specific categories of masculinity and femininity, problems begin to arise when these categories are treated as an obligation rather than a choice, promoting oppression towards those who do not wish to fit the traditional gender roles. As a result, this form of marginalisation prevents many from realising their full potential. Therefore, it is critical for one to be allowed to express themselves in ways that feels right to them personally, regardless of what society thinks is “correct” for them.