Many sociological and philosophical theories argue that gender is not an inherent trait but rather a product of cultural and social influences. According to this perspective, societies and cultures define specific roles and behaviors as appropriate for individuals based on their perceived gender. These expectations are not biologically fixed but shaped and reinforced by social norms. Some theorists maintain that all differences between men’s and women’s behaviors are rooted in social expectations, while others acknowledge a combination of biological factors and cultural influence, with society playing the dominant role.

Gender-Based Harassment

In educational environments, students often face pressure to conform to traditional gender norms. Both boys and girls are expected to display behaviors and appearances that match gender stereotypes. Peer-enforced gender policing frequently manifests through bullying. Boys, in particular, are known to harass both genders, often using intimidation and ridicule to uphold ideas of masculine dominance. This is tied to societal notions of masculinity, where boys are expected to exhibit toughness and assertiveness to be perceived as “real” men.

Girls, on the other hand, more commonly engage in indirect forms of harassment, such as gossip and social exclusion. These behaviors help to reinforce strict beauty standards and discourage individuality. A girl’s appearance becomes a focal point for judgment, with any deviation from the norm often leading to criticism. These dynamics teach girls that their physical appearance holds primary value, reinforcing gendered stereotypes from a young age.

Adolescents’ Perception of Adulthood

Cultural ideas about gender roles heavily influence how teenagers envision their future. For many young women, aspirations are often shaped by the expectation that they will eventually become wives and mothers. This expectation can shape their academic goals and career ambitions during high school. Research has shown that girls often link their educational performance to their anticipated age of parenthood. Girls with higher academic aspirations tend to envision delaying motherhood, whereas this link is not as strong among boys, indicating that gender norms subtly shape long-term planning differently for each gender.

Depression and Mental Health

High school is a major turning point in adolescent development, bringing with it a mix of academic challenges and social pressures. The demands of this phase can be overwhelming, and not all students cope in the same way. While some adjust smoothly, others face serious emotional and behavioral issues, with depression being one of the most common psychological struggles.

Although hormonal changes during adolescence contribute to mental health issues, the social environment of school — including gender-based expectations — also plays a major role. Girls are particularly vulnerable, often experiencing lower self-esteem and greater academic pressure, which can negatively impact both their performance and social relationships.

Body Image Concerns

Teenagers’ views of their own bodies are shaped by a complex mix of influences, including gender, media exposure, family dynamics, and the physical changes of puberty. These factors intersect to create unique experiences for each adolescent. As their bodies develop, so do their awareness and sensitivity to societal beauty standards. Poor body image during this formative stage can contribute to lasting psychological distress, especially when teens feel they fall short of the idealized body norms promoted by society and media.

Role of Education in Gender Socialization

Because children spend a large portion of their developmental years in school, teachers play a crucial role in shaping their gender identities. Educators who hold traditional gender stereotypes often unintentionally influence how they assess students’ abilities. For instance, teachers who believe that boys are naturally better at math may interpret boys’ performance more favorably than girls’, regardless of actual effort or results. These biases, even if subtle, can have a lasting impact on students’ confidence and academic choices, reinforcing outdated gender roles in educational outcomes.