Final answer:
The meanings of masculinity and femininity are formed by societal norms, cultural contexts, and the process of socialization, which begins early in life and includes influences from family, education, peer groups, and media.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of masculinity and femininity in our lives is deeply influenced by a variety of social and cultural factors. These concepts embody societal norms and expectations for behavior, as well as the roles prescribed to individuals based on their gender. Gender roles are often learned early in life through the process of socialization, which can be influenced by family, education, peer groups, and mass media.
Studies such as Sanday's research on the Indonesian Minangkabau suggest that in different cultural contexts, such as matriarchal societies, men and women can have different relationships to these roles, working cooperatively rather than competitively. The theory of symbolic interactionism helps to illustrate that we perform our gender based on the social meaning assigned to different symbols and actions, suggesting that these roles are not fixed but are constantly being recreated and negotiated in social interactions. This approach aligns with the views of scholars like Simone de Beauvoir and Mari Mikkola, who argue that gender is a social construct rather than an innate quality, and its expression can result in various societal pressures and expectations.
In conclusion, the distinctions and behaviors associated with masculinity and femininity are not innate or purely biological; they are shaped by our cultural context, the way we are socialized, and the meanings we attach to gendered symbols and roles, which are influenced by the specific geography and social structures in which we live.