Title: Reading: Gender Identity | Sociology
Headings: 
Reading: Gender Identity
Gender Roles
Gender Identity
Real-Life Freaky Friday
Further Research
Think It Over
Practice
Self-Check: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Content: Reading: Gender Identity | Sociology
Reading: Gender Identity
Gender Roles
As we grow, we learn how to behave from those around us. In this socialization process, children are introduced to certain roles that are typically linked to their biological sex. The term gender role refers to society’s concept of how men and women are expected to look and how they should behave. These roles are based on norms, or standards, created by society. In U.S. culture, masculine roles are usually associated with strength, aggression, and dominance, while feminine roles are usually associated with passivity, nurturing, and subordination. Role learning starts with socialization at birth. Even today, our society is quick to outfit male infants in blue and girls in pink, even applying these color-coded gender labels while a baby is in the womb. One way children learn gender roles is through play.