Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands – two equally harmful disciplines. UPSC Essay 2023

Introduction

Gender roles and expectations have long been ingrained in societies around the world, leading to the imposition of harmful disciplines on both girls and boys. Girls are often weighed down by restrictions imposed by societal and cultural norms, while boys face demanding expectations related to traditional masculinity. Both of these disciplines can have detrimental effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals. However, it's essential to acknowledge that there are instances where individuals from both genders excel under such pressures.

In this essay, we will discuss the restrictions placed on girls and the demands imposed on boys, highlighting their harmful consequences, the interconnectedness of these disciplines, and efforts to challenge and dismantle harmful gender norms. Additionally, we will explore cases where individuals have achieved exceptional success despite these pressures.

Girls and Restrictions

Societal and cultural restrictions imposed on girls are multifaceted and pervasive. Traditional gender roles prescribe that girls should be demure, nurturing, and submissive. Cultural norms and expectations reinforce these roles by dictating what is considered appropriate behavior for girls. Gender stereotypes and roles further confine girls, restricting their aspirations and potential. Expectations related to appearance and behavior often dictate how girls should look and act, stifling their individuality. Examples of restrictive practices such as dress codes and curfews limit their freedom and autonomy.

The consequences of these restrictions are far-reaching. Girls often struggle with self-esteem and self-worth issues due to the constant pressure to conform. Their opportunities and career choices may be limited, hampering personal growth. Furthermore, these restrictions take an emotional and psychological toll, leading to anxiety, depression, and a sense of unfulfillment.

Boys and Demands

A. Boys, too, face societal expectations and demands. Traditional masculinity dictates that boys should be strong, stoic, and competitive. These expectations pressure them to conform to rigid gender roles, often suppressing their emotional expression. Examples of demanding behaviors include the expectation to repress vulnerability and the need to constantly assert dominance.

B. The harmful effects of these demands on boys are substantial. They can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, as boys are discouraged from seeking help or expressing their emotions openly. The suppression of emotional expression can strain their interpersonal relationships, preventing them from forming deep and meaningful connections.

The Harmful Consequences of Both Disciplines

The restrictions placed on girls and the demands imposed on boys are interconnected, reinforcing harmful gender norms. Both genders suffer from stress, emotional turmoil, and limitations on personal growth. These disciplines perpetuate each other, creating a cycle that hinders progress towards gender equality. Moreover, these disciplines reinforce and perpetuate each other, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.

The broader societal consequences are also significant, as these disciplines contribute to gender inequality. By confining individuals to specific roles and expectations, society limits its capacity for progress and innovation.

Challenging Gender Norms and Expectations

Efforts to break free from these harmful gender norms and expectations have gained momentum in recent years. Movements promoting gender equality have emerged, encouraging individuals to challenge traditional roles and stereotypes. Supporting both girls and boys in their pursuit of personal growth and happiness is crucial for fostering a more equitable society.

Education and awareness play a pivotal role in promoting gender equality. Schools and communities must actively work to dismantle harmful stereotypes and provide opportunities for children and adolescents to explore their interests and passions freely. Additionally, parents play a crucial role in fostering an environment of acceptance and empowerment.

Examples of individuals challenging norms, such as women in STEM fields and men advocating for emotional expression, show that it is possible to break free from these harmful disciplines and achieve remarkable success.

Exceptional Performance under Pressure

Despite restrictions, many girls have excelled in various fields. Factors contributing to their success include determination, resilience, and supportive environments. Examples of successful women who have broken through limitations abound, from scientists and business leaders to political figures and athletes. Malala Yousafzai, who championed girls' education in Pakistan, illustrate the potential for greatness.

Boys have also thrived in various fields despite societal demands. Factors enabling their success include a willingness to challenge traditional masculinity, seek emotional support, and defy expectations. Examples of successful men who have overcome demanding circumstances include advocates for mental health awareness and men who have embraced caregiving roles. Figures like Elon Musk, who redefined technology and space exploration, exemplify breaking free from demanding expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, girls weighed down by restrictions and boys burdened with demands face equally harmful disciplines that inhibit their potential. These gender-specific pressures have far-reaching consequences, but there is hope in the potential for exceptional performance when individuals break free from stereotypes and restrictions. To create a more inclusive and equitable society, we must continue to challenge and dismantle harmful gender norms, fostering an environment where all individuals can reach their full potential. Only then can we truly celebrate the diversity and talent that exists within each gender, transcending harmful disciplines to embrace the richness of human capability.

Approach

To write essay in UPSC Essay paper, you need to do brainstorming. For this Topic Girls are weighed down by restrictions, boys with demands two equally harmful disciplines UPSC Essay, here is an approach

1. Introduction

   - Briefly introduce the topic and its significance

   - Provide arguments that girls face restrictions while boys face demands, both being harmful

   -Also highlights that there are instances where both genders excel under such pressures.

2. Girls and Restrictions

A. Discuss societal and cultural restrictions imposed on girls

   - Traditional gender roles

   - Cultural norms and expectations

   - Gender stereotypes and roles

   - Expectations related to appearance and behavior

   - Examples of restrictive practices (e.g., dress codes, curfews)

B. Analyze the consequences of these restrictions on girls

   - Impact on self-esteem and self-worth

   - Limited opportunities and career choices

   - Limitation of personal growth

   - Emotional and psychological toll

3. Boys and Demands

A. Examine societal expectations and demands placed on boys

   - Societal expectations of traditional masculinity

   - Pressure to conform to traditional gender roles

   - Examples of demanding behaviors (e.g., emotional suppression, competitiveness)

B. Discuss the harmful effects of these demands on boys

   - Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression

   - Suppression of emotional expression

   - Strain on interpersonal relationships

4. The Harmful Consequences of Both Disciplines

   - Discuss the interconnectedness of restrictions on girls and demands on boys

   - Compare and contrast the harms faced by girls and boys

   - Highlight the overlap in negative outcomes such as stress and emotional turmoil

  - Discuss how these disciplines reinforce and perpetuate each other

   - Explain the broader societal consequences of these disciplines on gender equality

5. Challenging Gender Norms and Expectations

   - Discuss efforts to break free from gender stereotypes and expectations. e.g. Movements promoting gender equality

   - Emphasize the importance of supporting both girls and boys in their pursuit of personal growth and happiness

   - Present strategies and initiatives aimed at challenging and dismantling harmful gender norms

   - Discuss the importance of education and awareness in promoting gender equality

   - Discuss the role of parents, schools, and communities in supporting children and adolescents

   - Examples of individuals challenging norms

6. Exceptional Performance under Pressure

A. Exceptional Performance by Girls

   - Discuss cases where girls have excelled despite societal restrictions

   - Discuss the factors that contribute to their exceptional performance

   - Provide examples of successful women breaking through limitations

B. Exceptional Performance by Boys

   - Showcase instances where boys have thrived despite societal demands

   - Explore the factors that enable boys to perform exceptionally under pressure

   - Present examples of successful men who have overcome demanding circumstances

7. Conclusion

   - Reiterate the harmful effects of gender-specific pressures

   - Emphasize the potential for exceptional performance when individuals break free from stereotypes and restrictions

   -Discuss the need for a more inclusive and equitable society that allows all individuals to reach their full potential