Female and Male Gender Socialization

From early childhood, we’re told that “boys don’t cry” and “girls should be sweet.” These seemingly harmless phrases form the foundation of a powerful system — gender socialization, which shapes how we see ourselves, our bodies, our roles, and our potential.
But what if you don’t want to live by a script written for you? What if the “gender box” feels too small?

Next Thursday, our space will host a lecture and open roundtable featuring your stories, where we will explore:

• What is gender socialization — how does it manifest, and what are its consequences?

• The crisis of male and female identity: how are gender roles being reshaped today?

• How can people who don’t fit traditional roles avoid isolation?

• How do we deal with the negative sides of "femininity" and "masculinity" when we don’t want to play along?

Three questions for those who’d like to join the conversation:

1. What manifestations of female and male gender socialization do you notice?

2. In what situations has this been a barrier for you?

3. How can one live outside the bounds of “traditional” norms?

Speakers:

• Alina Tolmacheva — family psychologist and sex therapist, author of the “Алинамория” channel.

• Pyotr Polevikov — sociologist and psychologist (psychodynamic approach, specialization in sexual relationships).