Today's boys are becoming increasingly effeminate—afraid to take charge, even exhibiting feminine mannerisms. They're practically walking versions of "Jia Baoyu." This subversion of traditional masculinity is hardly beneficial for a boy's development. In response, Professor Xu Feng has dedicated research to gender education and issued a call to action: Save the Boys!
Current Situation Survey—
Growing Prevalence of Feminization Among Boys
In his research, Xu Feng discovered that the feminization of boys is becoming increasingly common in primary and secondary schools across certain regions, with the proportion rising year by year.
The reasons are twofold: On one hand, many only children receive all-encompassing pampering from parents—especially grandparents—in such environments, boys are prone to developing effeminate traits like timidity and sentimentality.On the other hand, China's current educational and assessment standards are flawed. Most kindergartens and schools demand children conform to rigid norms, holding girls' obedient discipline as the ideal standard for boys. This misguides children's understanding of gender roles. Additionally, the disproportionately high ratio of female teachers in primary and secondary schools is another significant factor contributing to boys' feminization, a phenomenon particularly pronounced in elementary schools.
Interpreting the Phenomenon—
Gender Confusion Carries Serious Consequences
Zhou Zhenji, a member of the Chinese Association for Mental Health, points out that if gender role confusion is not addressed through timely psychological intervention, it may ultimately develop into homosexuality. Such boys, even when grown, may be unable to shoulder the societal and familial responsibilities expected of men.
In English, "sex" and "gender" are distinct terms, referring to biological sex and social gender respectively. Social gender denotes the gender identity and differences formed by men and women within specific sociocultural constructs—that is, the socioculturally shaped understanding of male-female differences, along with the group characteristics and behavioral patterns associated with masculinity or femininity within that culture. It is the result of acquired cultural influences.It is not fixed but fluid.
Strategizing Solutions—
Empowering "Jia Baoyu" to Thrive
Based on survey findings, Xu Feng argues that implementing "gender awareness education" for elementary students should be a comprehensive initiative. It requires mobilizing and integrating diverse educational elements to foster a cohesive, supportive learning environment for effective outcomes.
A. What Parents Can Do
1. Offer acknowledgment and praise. Parents should first explicitly tell their child: "You are a boy" or "You are a girl." They can also use bath time as an opportunity to share knowledge about gender.
2. Lead by example. Parents serve as guides and role models for children's gender identity development, so be mindful of your own behavior. Help children identify same-gender role models appropriate for their age group, encouraging them to compare themselves with these models to identify areas for growth. While interactions with friends of the opposite sex should not be entirely discouraged, avoid allowing children to become overly intimate with them.
3. Use appropriate rewards and consequences. When children engage in behavior consistent with their gender role, parents should offer positive reinforcement. For inappropriate gender role behaviors, parents should respond with indifference, signaling that the behavior is misguided.
For children already experiencing gender identity confusion or behavioral deviations, parents must carefully manage their approach. Avoid simple scolding, which can cause anxiety or even guilt.Parents should dedicate time to help correct these behaviors, even modeling appropriate actions to guide children gently and patiently.
B. Schools Can Take These Actions
1. Foster an educational environment conducive to healthy development. This primarily involves organizing activities where students discover, experience, and explore certain psychological states, thereby altering gender attitudes and perceptions.Cultivate boys' talents and interests, reinforcing their gender roles through engaging activities.
2. Integrate gender education across subjects. For instance, link concepts like "bravery" and "learning responsibility" to moral education content. Similarly, in music classes, differentiate performance gestures between male and female students, encouraging boys to embody a "little man" demeanor in musical expression.
3. Prioritize teachers' mental well-being. Educators must address their own psychological health, using sound mental qualities and personal charisma to influence students. Teachers should participate in comprehensive psychology training, incorporating gender health education as a key component of professional development.