Final answer:
Outward communication of gender using clothes and other means is a social and cultural practice known as gender socialization. It occurs through various agents such as family, education, peer groups, and mass media, which reinforce gender roles and create normative expectations for gender-specific behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Outward communication of gender using clothes and other means is a social and cultural practice that is part of gender socialization. Gender socialization occurs through various agents such as family, education, peer groups, and mass media. These agents reinforce gender roles and create normative expectations for gender-specific behavior.
For example, in different societies, the clothing associated with a particular gender can vary significantly. What is considered masculine or feminine attire depends on cultural beliefs and norms. In some cultures, wearing a dress or skirt may be considered masculine, while in others it is considered feminine.
Gender socialization also involves children learning and adopting gender norms through observation and imitation of significant others. Nonconformity to gender roles can lead to negative sanctions, such as criticism or marginalization by peers. Boys, in particular, may face intense ridicule for not conforming to traditional gender expectations.