Cultural and Religious Narratives Shape Adolescent Self-Concept and Gender Expression
The impact of cultural and religious narratives on the development of adolescents' self-concept and gender expression is vast and varied, affecting both personal identity and social interaction. Through these influences, individuals are shaped to understand themselves and their place within society. Cultural and religious narratives can be defined as stories that convey values, beliefs, norms, customs, traditions, and expectations about how people should behave in specific contexts. They also provide meaning for why certain behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable and influence an individual's sense of belongingness.
These narratives have played a significant role in shaping the way adolescents develop their identities since time immemorial.
The story of Adam and Eve tells children the importance of obeying God's commands and the consequences of disobedience. It shapes the child's perception of right and wrong behavior and teaches them to respect authority figures such as parents or teachers. Similarly, fairy tales like Cinderella or Snow White portray women who struggle with power dynamics between men and women but ultimately find happiness through marriage. These stories teach young girls that love can overcome adversity and shape their view of what it means to be a woman.
Religion plays an important role in shaping gender roles and relationships, particularly among Muslim families. The Quran emphasizes male dominance over females, which has led to widespread discrimination against women in many societies. This has led to stereotypical gender roles where boys are expected to be strong and independent while girls are supposed to stay at home and look after children. Gender-segregated activities such as prayer times further reinforce these ideas.
Cultural practices such as arranged marriages also shape self-concept and gender expression. In some cultures, there is pressure on girls to marry early to preserve family honor. Such pressures lead to a low self-esteem and lack of confidence, resulting in depression and anxiety. Adolescent girls may feel trapped within traditional expectations and unable to pursue their dreams. On the other hand, cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) have been shown to influence body image distortions leading to negative self-perceptions in adolescents. FGM involves removing part or all of a girl's external genitalia for non-medical reasons to control sexual pleasure during intercourse, often without consent. This practice has been banned in several countries worldwide but remains prevalent in Africa due to religious beliefs about purity and chastity.
Cultural and religious narratives play a crucial role in shaping adolescent self-concept and gender expression by providing normative expectations about acceptable behaviors. They can create positive outcomes such as strong sense of belongingness, obedience, and respect for authority figures.
They can also cause harm if used oppressively through discrimination, abuse, or misogyny. Therefore, it is essential for parents/guardians/teachers to provide balanced messages that encourage healthy development without enforcing rigid gender roles.
How do cultural and religious narratives shape adolescent self-concept and gender expression?
Cultural and religious narratives play an essential role in shaping adolescent self-concept and gender expression. These narratives influence how individuals perceive themselves and their place in society, which can impact their identity development. Cultural and religious narratives often promote specific gender roles and expectations that may be restricting for adolescents who identify as transgender or non-binary.