Gender Identity Formation essays

Gender Identity Formation essays I don't often think of gender identity as a function of formative experiences in my life. I learned how to walk, how to talk, how to play the piano, and how to play football, but I have always been a male, progressing from boy to man. Some would say that gender identity formation is completely a function of socialization - that my identity as a man is completely determined by the forces of my family's expectations, and those of the society in which I matured. But I believe that while much of my gender identity is a socialization function, equally powerful is the genetically programmed information in my body, and the presence of testosterone, as opposed to progesterone and estrogen, that make me the man My experiences were varied in regard to the events which formed my gender identity. My family was small, and since my dad worked most of the time, my family socialization was with my mom, and my two sisters. I find that I am much more prone to communication than many of my male companions, which is said to be a more female trait. I also have developed a deep understanding of the role of emotions, and the process of emotional development. This also is said to be a predominantly female trait. However, I have never confused my position in the world as a male, nor have I ever pondered the benefits of being female. I am a male of my species, Growing up, I was awkward in my relationships to other guys my age, not having any of them to relate to in my home. Looking back I see that I had more, closer female friends than male friends. When the other kids on the block were joining cub scouts, and little league baseball, my dad didn't have time, to make the commitment to get me to and from events. So I went to Campfire Girls outings with my mom and sisters. While that made it difficult to relate to other boys my age, I still have no doubt that I am a ...