When boys behave aggressively while playing, talking and interacting as far as their actions does not inflict any harm, the phrase is usually used by the people that, “boys will be boys”. Which means that, aggressive behavior is expected from the boys, by the society, it’s considered as masculinity. However, if girls behave in the same way, it is not accepted by the society because it is not considered as feminine role or trait. Social norms define particular roles for male and female and they learn it via socialization.
Boys and girls learn from young age that, different social roles are expected from them by the members of society. Cross cultural study suggest that, by the age of 2 or 3 children become aware of their social roles, at the age of 6 they act accordingly. They acquire these roles via the process of socialization. In the process of socialization people learn the expected behavior dictated by the societal norms, values and beliefs. In most societies riding bike is considered as the masculine activity and men are expected to ride motorcycle. Females are considered to be, too fragile and timid for riding bike. Such stereotype laid the foundation of sexism.
Sexism refers to the discriminatory beliefs of the society, that value one sex over other. In societies where sexism exist and women are unvalued compare to men, girls may not have access to, nutrition, education, comfort, play and healthcare same as boys. Girls in such society start believing that they deserve to be treated differently from boys. Gender based discrimination exist both at macro and micro level of society. Discrimination that develop into the social structure is known as institutional discrimination.
