Final answer:
Gender roles can be resisted and redefined through leisure activities such as sports, where girls participating in non-traditional activities challenge norms and may access better career opportunities. Resistance also manifests in supporting varied media representations and encouraging children's freedom in play, contributing to balanced gender socialization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gender roles are deeply ingrained in society and are often reflected in recreational choices and career fields. However, these roles are not fixed and can be resisted and redefined through leisure activities such as participation in sports and the rejection of traditional gender expectations. When girls are encouraged to take part in non-traditional female activities like sports, they not only challenge societal norms but may also find greater opportunities in their careers, which were once inaccessible to women. This resistance in turn can influence the pay gap as well as broader economic structures.
In addition to sports, the resistance to gender roles can occur in the realm of mass media, where stereotypes are often perpetuated. By supporting media that showcases women in varied and significant roles, society can work towards a more balanced representation, moving away from the restrictive dichotomy of saint-like figures or hypersexual characters. Moreover, encouraging children to enjoy activities irrespective of their biological sex can help in loosening cultural expectations. This act of defiance against traditional gender roles is essential for gender socialization and for individuals to choose professions out of personal preference rather than societal expectations.