As someone who had been pursuing her degree in early childhood development, I can tell you through both research/documentation and personal observation that gender expectations start before they even get out of the womb!
Girls are automatically cute, and if they are not their outfits/appearances are complimented. Boys are complimented on their cognitive accomplishments and their size even when they're not in control of either. Girls=appearance and boys=accomplishments.
And that's lame. But it's EASY. It's easy conversation.
So, when you are introduced to a girl, choose a compliment that is not related to appearance. Ask her a question, like what's a book she's read lately and how she feels about it. Ask a boy the same thing! If it's a baby, ask them how the parents are faring. Ask them about THEIR experiences.
Focus on the person, not their gender. There's nothing "socially progressive" about that. It's just considerate, that's all.
AmaranthWrath t1_ixtwpwt wrote
Reply to Men are often expected to earn compliments whereas women are more likely to receive it by Playful_Melody
This shit starts at early childhood.
As someone who had been pursuing her degree in early childhood development, I can tell you through both research/documentation and personal observation that gender expectations start before they even get out of the womb!
Girls are automatically cute, and if they are not their outfits/appearances are complimented. Boys are complimented on their cognitive accomplishments and their size even when they're not in control of either. Girls=appearance and boys=accomplishments.
And that's lame. But it's EASY. It's easy conversation.
So, when you are introduced to a girl, choose a compliment that is not related to appearance. Ask her a question, like what's a book she's read lately and how she feels about it. Ask a boy the same thing! If it's a baby, ask them how the parents are faring. Ask them about THEIR experiences.
Focus on the person, not their gender. There's nothing "socially progressive" about that. It's just considerate, that's all.