Gender polarization

[5] When genders become polarized, according to the theory, there is no overlap, no shared behaviors or attitudes between men and women; rather, they are distinctly opposite.

[1] She argued that these distinctions become so "all-encompassing" that they "pervade virtually every aspect of human existence", not just hairstyles and clothing but how men and women express emotion and experience sexual desire.

[8] In western society in the fairly recent past, such rules have prevented women from voting, holding political office, going to school, owning property, serving in the armed forces, entering certain professions, or playing specific sports.

[8] For example, the first modern Olympics was a male-only sporting event from which women were excluded, and this has been identified as a prime example of gender polarization.

[10] Children learn by observing others and by direct tutelage what they "can and cannot do in terms of gendered behavior", according to Elizabeth Lindsey and Walter Zakahi.

Further, any deviation from these scripts was seen as problematic, possibly defined as "immoral acts" which flout religious customs, or seen as "psychologically pathological".

These roles not only shape individuals' behavior but also influence societal institutions such as family dynamics, employment opportunities, and legal rights.

Similarly, Laura Cereta was an Italian humanist who wrote mainly literary works advocating for women's education and intellectual pursuits.

This division of labor reinforced distinct gender roles with men and women having separate spheres of activity and responsibility.

[21] Intersectionality Different cultural norms and values can either reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles, adding layers of complexity to individual identities.

Within marginalized communities, gender polarization can be especially pronounced as individuals navigate multiple layers of discrimination and exclusion.