Gender Roles In The Fosters

Gender roles stem from social norms; these norms are encouraged through many mainstream channels such as literature, public interactions, and especially media. From a very young age we are influenced to conform to gender roles and express ourselves the way society says we should, based on our biological sex. Classic children’s movies such as Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Mulan give off the impressions on how a girl should behave as well as a boy without us really recognizing the gender scripts, while simultaneously becoming accustomed to the ideology. A more modern example of a show that portrays a lot about gender roles and specifically fighting against today’s expectations of men and women is “The Fosters”, a television series that …show more content…
In the earlier seasons of the show Jude begins to question and eventually explore his curiosities regarding intimate relationships and gender expression/ gender identity. There is a time where he decides to paint his nails blue which isn’t an “acceptable” characteristic for a boy according to the social expectations; this action leads Jude to be teased and taunted in school. Hegemonic masculinity is the main source conflicting Jude’s gender expression because bullying causes him to question himself and his own manhood.
Sexuality is an important topic on the show and the parental guides are very open with the kids which helps them feel comfort with themselves. Stef and Lena confront how to hold a conversation with their children about sex in a way that adjusts their women's activist goals of sex energy with their parental need to secure and train their children. There are many scenes by which Lena and Stef endeavor to ensure their children are not embarrassed about their sexuality while at the same time passing on the significance of being sheltered, prepared, and …show more content…
One of the main readings that align with the show is Kenji Yoshinos’ “The Pressure to Cover”. This article recognizes the distinction amongst passing and covering which passing doesn't include much exertion while covering is with incredible purpose and exertion. Taking into consideration the diversity of characters, nothing can ever be free without judgment by society. Covering or passing isn't just about race but also about sexuality, religion and physical appearances. Covering will most likely dependably be a resort for the individuals who can't acknowledge as well as request acknowledgment of the complexities that make individuals their identity. This relates back to the fosters because although the family is very open, it’s hard for the siblings to truly show who they are without fear of judgement. Even the adults in the show, Stef couldn’t fully express herself as a lesbian because her father refused to accept her since it goes against his religious beliefs. The pressure to pass and/or cover is surely present within the Fosters along with how each character overcomes their personal