Adults Quote by Gloria Steinem
“The gender prism is just descending upon us. For instance, when we're girls of nine or 10 we may be climbing trees and saying, "I know what I want. I know what I think." And then suddenly at 11 or 12, the gender role takes hold, and adults tell us, "How clever of you to know what time it is." It happens to boys, too and even sooner - between five and eight. Before that, boys cry and express uncertainty.”
About This Quote
Gender expectations solidify in early adolescence, shaping self‑perception and limiting freedom for both girls and boys.
In simple terms: Early teens face growing gender pressure.
Key Takeaway
Challenge gender norms early.
Themes
gender
socialization
identity
Mood
critical
hopeful
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- school curricula
- parental guidance
- media literacy programs
Key Concepts
stereotypes
developmental psychology
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we support gender‑free expression?
- What role do adults play in reinforcing norms?
A Different Perspective
Cultural change is slow; resistance may be strong.
![“The prediction of false rape-related beliefs (rape myth acceptance [RMA]) was examined using the Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale (Payne, Lonsway, & Fitzgerald, 1999) among a nonclinical sample of 258 male and female college students. Predictor variables included measures of attitudes toward…” quote by Shannon N. Baugher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/940/shannon-n-baugher-191951_belief_the-prediction-of-false-rape-related-bel_1953119.jpg)
![“[...] For instance, a gay man who played with dolls in his childhood, dresses pink and engages in anal sex with another man triggers a gender prejudice, by proxy rather than based on a characteristic of their own, like racism and classism do: dolls and pink are traditionally associated with the…” quote by Vincent Bozzino](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e2/vincent-bozzino-91342_another-man_for-instance-a-gay-man-who-played-with-d_1588400.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
