Question

• Reflecting on the difference between sex and gender, how do boys learn to be men? How significant is the role of fathers (and other men) in the upbringing of boys?

Answer 1

Delving into the vast amount of research on the extent to which biology and culture influence behavior and even brain development is beyond the scope of this lesson. So, we have identified a few key ideas from the scientific, sociological and philosophical study of gender. You might begin by sharing this research with your students or, if you have time, allow them to read more about it in the linked articles:

• Research shows that there is little difference between male and female brains at birth.

• Despite this similarity, people of different genders do often think, act and speak differently. But, because we are socialized into gender roles beginning at a very young age, it is extremely difficult to determine how much our biology influences our gendered behavior and how much is our response to our environment. Most researchers agree, though, that culture has a significant impact on our gendered behaviors.

• While these biological and cultural forces are indeed real and powerful, we also — to a large extent — have a choice in how we present ourselves to the world. And, the more informed we are about the choices we have in expressing ourselves, the better we are able to completely and truly be our unique selves.

Boys wants to make their father proud and that gives the inner strength and fathers are affectionate and supportive, it greatly affects a child's cognitive and social development. It also instills an overall sense of well-being and self confidence. Boys on the other hand, will model themselves after their fathers. They will look for their father's approval in everything they do, and copy those behaviors that they recognize as both successful and familiar. Thus, if dad was abusive, controlling, and dominating, those will be the patterns that their sons will imitate and emulate. However, if father is loving, kind, supportive, and protective, boys will want to be that.Human beings are social animals and we learn by modeling behavior. In fact, all primates learn how to survive and function successfully in the world through social imitation. Those early patterns of interaction are all children know, and it is those patterns that effect how they feel about themselves, and how they develop. Your child is vulnerable to those early patterns and incorporates those behavioral qualities in his/her repertoire of social exchange.