A ritual is an action performed in a fixed way that has symbolic meaning within a cultural context. Rituals are often performed to mark transitional moments in life, such as coming-of-age ceremonies, marriages, funerals, and religious holidays. They can also be used to reinforce social hierarchies or values, such as military parades or national anthems. Traditions are long-standing customs that are passed down from generation to generation. Ceremonies are formal occasions that involve a series of prescribed actions and behaviors. All three types of events can transmit implicit sexual norms and expectations across gendered interactions in schools. In this article, I will explore how school-based rituals, traditions, and ceremonies may reinforce gender roles and sexual behavioral patterns through their use of language, symbols, and physical contact.
The most common school-based tradition that transmits sexual norms is graduation ceremonies. At graduation, students wear caps and gowns and walk across a stage to receive their diplomas. The ceremony often includes speeches by teachers, administrators, and valedictorians, as well as musical performances and award presentations. While these elements are standardized, they can also serve to reinforce traditional gender roles and sexual expectations.
If the graduating class is divided into male and female sections, with boys walking first followed by girls, it sends the message that men should lead while women follow. If there are no awards given for academic achievement, but only for participation in sports or other extracurricular activities, it suggests that athleticism and popularity matter more than intellectual pursuits. Similarly, if valedictorians give speeches praising masculine traits like strength and leadership, it may encourage young men to embrace those qualities at the expense of softer skills like communication and collaboration.
Rituals are another type of event that can reinforce sexually charged messages within schools. One example is dances, where couples dance together in close proximity. Dances are usually accompanied by music and lights, which create an atmosphere of intimacy and suggestive touching. In addition, some dances have themes, such as prom or homecoming, that reinforce cultural ideas about relationships between men and women. These events can be particularly problematic for LGBTQ+ individuals who may feel excluded from the assumed heteronormative norms of these rituals.
Traditions play a major role in transmitting sexual norms in schools through language use.
Teachers may refer to students using masculine or feminine pronouns depending on their perceived gender identity. This practice reinforces binary thinking about gender and encourages conformity rather than individual expression. It also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about what it means to be male or female. Other traditions, such as classroom seating arrangements, may favor boys over girls when it comes to group projects or discussions. If left unchecked, this can lead to unequal participation and learning outcomes, as well as reinforce patriarchal power dynamics.
Ceremonies in school settings often involve physical contact, such as handshakes, hugs, and high-fives. While these gestures may seem innocuous, they can send subtle sexual signals.
If boys shake hands with each other but not girls, it suggests that physical affection should only occur among males. Similarly, if teachers embrace students upon arrival or departure, it reinforces the idea that closeness is appropriate between adults and children. Physical contact at school can also create a climate of fear and anxiety for those who do not want to participate in such interactions.
School-based rituals, traditions, and ceremonies are powerful tools for transmitting implicit sexual norms and expectations across gendered interactions. By examining how these events are structured and performed, we can begin to understand the ways in which our culture values certain behaviors and attitudes more highly than others. We must work to challenge these assumptions and create spaces where all individuals feel safe and respected regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
How do school-based rituals, traditions, and ceremonies transmit implicit sexual norms and expectations across gendered interactions?
School-based rituals, traditions, and ceremonies are crucial in transmitting implicit sexual norms and expectations that perpetuate gender roles. Traditional practices often reinforce heteronormative ideals by associating femininity with passivity and subordination while promoting masculine attributes such as aggression and leadership (Lips & Becker, 2018).