How do self-image and gender roles relate to each other?

Answer 1

Self-image is how you see yourself, while gender roles involve society's expectations. Self-image here can either refer to gender identity or to self-esteem.

In terms of gender identity, it is pretty obvious that a person would most likely choose the social roles that most closely match who they are. So someone born with male parts who believes they are really a woman inside will do their best to follow the social role of a woman to the extent of their ability.

In terms of self-esteem, gender roles themselves can sometimes be a hindrance. If you have the gender identity and body of a woman, but you simply feel more comfortable doing what society says guys should do, it is easy to feel there is something wrong with you or that you are a freak. But there is nothing wrong with you, just a society that won't let you be yourself without ridicule, sanctions, double-standards, and harassment.

Sometimes both gender identity and self-esteem interrelate with gender roles. For instance, in the past, there were harder standards for being diagnosed as a female to male transsexual than the other way around. The reason was because there was so much discrimination against women that it would be so easy, and perhaps reasonable given the circumstances, for some women to want to get sex-reassignment to stop the discrimination, abuse, and double-standards. Nobody should be forced to get medical treatment for someone else's problem. So society's social roles for gender can cause someone to hate their own gender and who they are.

Answer 2

Self-image and gender roles are interconnected as societal expectations about gender can shape individuals' perceptions of themselves. This can result in internalized beliefs about how one should look, behave, or think based on their gender, influencing their self-image. Challenging traditional gender roles can help individuals develop a more authentic and positive self-image that is not limited by societal norms.