Gender neutralism is the idea that policies, laws, and social institutions should avoid distinguishing roles, traits, and professions according to people’s sex. The struggle for gender neutrality has been a century-old struggle around the globe. It refutes the idea that “a man is always the boss and a woman, the secretary.”

Raising children in an ungendered environment exposes them to all sorts of adventures and ideas, allowing them to be the best versions of themselves. However, extreme approaches to gender neutrality may leave the child confused about his own identity throughout his life.

Indian Express/ Getty Images | From birth, children are usually placed into two binaries of gender that continue to follow them into adulthood

When a baby is born in a household, certain arrangements are made regarding his/her clothes, room, or toys according to his/her gender. All of the major life decisions are already taken care of. Dolls, unicorns, and the color Pink are assigned to a baby girl who is supposed to grow up watching fairytales and become dependent, nurturing, sensitive, and a dutiful wife to her husband.

On the other hand, it is considered ordinary for a boy to be unexpressive, moody, aggressive, or insensitive. He has to assume the role of the ultimate “breadwinner” sooner or later. This is the tip of the iceberg—children confined to limited possibilities lack several positive qualities such as creativity, high self-esteem, and confidence.  

Roles in terms of modern day

Practicing relaxed gender-neutral parenting is encouragingly beneficial to a child’s mental well-being. They understand it’s okay for a boy to cry and share his feelings or for a girl to be bold and feel empowered. That a lawyer, engineer, or pilot isn’t always a man and that nursing isn’t a feminine occupation. In their adolescence, they discern gender division in society, not as a difference of ability but due to a culture that is stereotypical.

Juana Garcia/ The Cougar | When we confine kids to gender norms, we are subconsciously teaching them they will not be loved or safe being themselves

In recent years, the western world has been portraying an image of a confusingly complex world; for example, radical feminism and extreme gender-neutral parenting have got adults, and kids troubled about the wrong set of problems. Raising a genderless child and striving for a matriarchal society are some of the common issues under discussion. Ungendered kids are often an easy target for bullying, leaving them insecure and depressed. Throughout their lives, they are forced to decide between what they like and what is generally accepted by societal norms.

Bottom line 

All in all, a relaxed and proper approach to gender-neutral parenting can ameliorate the living standards of upcoming generations. Family members with a better understanding and communication among themselves bond effectively.

Redaksi ALB/ Parents | By raising children in a gender-neutral environment, their generation will not be afraid to be themselves

 Parents should expose their kids to toys, colors, activities, and careers that cross gender lines. At the same time, they should educate them about the limits and boundaries prescribed by the Quran and Sunnah, hence, maintaining a balance. Keep in mind that the purpose is not to make a gender-neutral child a symbol of social change but to give the child the freedom to decide his own identity.