Gender is defined as "the state of being male, female, or neuter" or "a person's social role as man, woman, or neutral." It can be described as "the mental identification of oneself as male, female, or neither" or "the physical characteristics that distinguish one sex from another." Culture refers to shared beliefs, customs, norms, practices, and values among people who share a common society or group. Internalized cultural hierarchies are the ideas and behaviors that individuals unconsciously absorb through their environment without necessarily questioning them or understanding their origins. These internalized beliefs shape how an individual views themselves and interacts with others. Gender roles, gender identity, and emotional expression are all influenced by these factors.
Emotional vulnerability is the ability to feel strong emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, and joy, which may lead to intense or prolonged feelings of pain, anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, despair, disappointment, frustration, etc., affecting an individual's overall well-being. Emotional expression is the way in which an individual communicates their emotions to others through nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, touch, eye contact, posture, gestures, and verbal communication. Both emotional vulnerability and expression are essential for healthy relationships, self-awareness, coping skills, and personal growth.
In patriarchal societies, women are often expected to be submissive, obedient, passive, and nurturing while men are expected to be assertive, independent, powerful, and aggressive. As a result, women may struggle to express their needs and desires openly, leading to suppressed emotions, resulting in depression and anxiety. Men may also have difficulty expressing their emotions due to societal expectations that masculinity requires stoicism and strength. This can lead to isolation, resentment, and violence.
Sexuality refers to an individual's physical, romantic, and sexual attraction towards other people. Internalized cultural hierarchies can create stigma around LGBTQ+ identities, making individuals question their identity, hide it from loved ones, and face discrimination and violence. The lack of emotional support and validation can cause them to internalize shame and guilt, causing further mental health issues.
Cultural norms around heterosexual relationships promote traditional gender roles, restricting intimacy and limiting emotional vulnerability and expression. Monogamy may prevent individuals from exploring their sexual desires or seeking out new experiences, leading to boredom, frustration, infidelity, or breakups. Communication is vital for healthy relationships but may involve emotional risk-taking, creating tension between partners.
Internalized cultural hierarchies of gender affect emotional vulnerability and expression by promoting stereotypes that limit individuals' ability to communicate freely about their feelings. By challenging these norms, we can foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance, improving relationships, mental health, and overall well-being.
How do internalized cultural hierarchies of gender affect emotional vulnerability and expression?
The internalization of cultural hierarchies of gender can significantly impact how individuals perceive their own emotions and express them to others. In many cultures, men are socialized to be stoic and emotionally detached, while women are expected to be more expressive and vulnerable with their feelings. This can lead to a wide range of psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.