There is no iota of doubt in saying that girls are weighed down by restrictions, and boys with demands and two are equally harmful disciplines. For girls, there can be a range of societal restrictions that limit their choices, opportunities, and self-expression. These may include expectations related to appearance, behavior, career choices, and more. These restrictions can create pressure and limit their sense of autonomy and agency.
Traditional gender roles and expectations dictate to girls that they should prioritize domestic responsibilities over personal aspirations, conform to rigid standards of beauty and behavior, and shy away from traditionally male-dominated fields. They are forced somehow to behave a certain way. Likewise, girls are not supposed to express aggressiveness even if she is facing discrimination.
Moreover, girls have been experiencing patriarchial behavior ever since their existence on the planet Earth. They face restrictions in the attainment of education, and in choosing a life partner, and they are just ignored in important decision-making in a traditional family system.
In many regions of the world, girls are still barred from joining certain jobs only because those work positions are compulsively associated with men on the basis of being a superior or more powerful gender. Qatar, Iraq, Yemen, Oman, and Saudi Arabia are the countries that do not allow women to join the armed forces at all.
Take another example of Iranian women who have made significant strides in education, they still face various legal and societal restrictions, including dress codes and limitations on certain activities. In Pakistan too, particularly in more conservative areas, women face restrictions on their mobility, education, and participation in public and political life.
Restrictions on the girls leave them inconsistent economically as well. Girls are denied equal access to education. When women are less educated, they often have fewer skills and qualifications, making it difficult to secure well-paying jobs or pursue higher-paying careers.
This educational disadvantage can result in lower earning potential throughout their lives. Besides, women have limited inheritance and property rights in many parts of the world. This means they may not inherit or control land, assets, or property, which can be crucial for economic stability and wealth accumulation.
Contrary to this, boys face a different set of societal demands. They may be expected to conform to certain ideals of masculinity, which can include expectations related to assertiveness, emotional suppression, and career success. These demands can also be limiting and can sometimes prevent boys from expressing themselves fully or pursuing their true interests and passions.
Both sets of expectations can have negative consequences. They can stifle individuality, creativity, and personal growth. They may also contribute to mental health issues, as individuals may feel compelled to meet these societal standards at the expense of their own well-being. For instance, boys are often expected to display emotional restraint and stoicism. They may be discouraged from expressing vulnerability or “weak” emotions like sadness or fear. Also, boys are often encouraged to be independent and self-reliant. They may be expected to take on responsibilities and make decisions autonomously from a young age.
More so, boys are encouraged to engage in risk-taking behaviors, especially in activities like sports or adventurous pursuits. This can be seen as a way to demonstrate bravery and courage. There is often an expectation for boys to be physically strong and capable. This can manifest in pressure to participate in sports or engage in activities that demonstrate physical prowess.
There are detrimental effects of these certain predominated expectations on the well-being, development, and overall potential of girls and boys. For instance, when girls are denied access to quality education, it hinders their ability to develop essential skills and knowledge.
This, in turn, limits their future career options and economic independence. Consequentially, without access to education and employment opportunities, girls are more likely to face economic insecurity and dependence. This can lead to financial vulnerability and a lack of autonomy.
This can even lead to limited access to healthcare, including reproductive and maternal healthcare, and therefore, poorer health outcomes for girls and their future children. Also, when girls are not empowered to make decisions about their own lives, it can lead to a lack of autonomy that seriously can impact their ability to pursue their own goals and aspirations.
Furthermore, gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking, is more likely to occur in environments where girls have limited agency and protection.
Like girls, societal demands and expectations placed on boys can have negative consequences on their mental, emotional, and social well-being. The expectation for boys to be emotionally stoic and not show vulnerability can lead to emotional suppression. The pressure to conform to societal expectations of masculinity can stifle individuality and self-expression. Boys may feel compelled to fit into narrow definitions of what it means to be a “real man.” The pressure to meet societal demands, including academic achievement, athletic prowess, and career success, can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Lastly, the expectation of self-sufficiency and independence may make it harder for boys to seek help. This can be particularly detrimental when facing mental health challenges. Boys may struggle with forming and maintaining healthy relationships if they feel pressured to conform to stereotypical ideas of masculinity, which may hinder their ability to express empathy and compassion.
