Netflix’s Series Adolescence and the Urgent Case for Gender Studies

Why Gender Studies Matter: Rethinking Emotions, Language, and Society Through a Gender-Inclusive Lens

In an age where we talk about inclusion, empathy, and mental health more than ever before, one subject stands out as a powerful key to unlocking a better future: gender studies. Yet, it’s often misunderstood as a purely academic or political topic. In reality, gender studies directly impact how we raise children, communicate in relationships, design policies, and shape social norms.

This blog dives deep into:

1. What gender studies are and why they matter
2. Why human emotions must never be boxed into “masculine” or “feminine” labels
3. The real-life consequences of rigid gender roles
4. The importance of gender-neutral language and inclusive education and workplaces
5. How the Netflix series Adolescence holds a mirror to society’s failings — and its potential for change
6. A concluding reflection on building a more inclusive society

What Are Gender Studies?

Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores how gender identity and roles are shaped by society, culture, history, and politics. It challenges traditional notions of “man” and “woman” as fixed categories and instead views gender as a spectrum influenced by intersecting forces such as race, class, sexuality, and ability.

1. This field invites us to question long-standing assumptions:
2. Why are certain traits considered “masculine” or “feminine”?
3. Who benefits from strict gender norms — and who gets left behind?

How can systems be redesigned to be more equitable?

Far from being just a theory class, gender studies give us tools to recognize bias, foster empathy, and promote justice.

Human Emotions Are Not Gendered — Stop the Segregation

From an early age, children are told:

“Boys don’t cry.”

“Girls shouldn’t be loud.”

“He’s too soft to be a leader.”

“She’s too aggressive to be ladylike.”

These phrases may seem harmless, but over time they form walls around children’s emotional worlds.

Boys grow up suppressing fear and sadness, often expressing pain only through anger.

Girls are taught to silence assertiveness or ambition, lest they appear “bossy” or “unfeminine.”

Non-binary children often feel invisible altogether, not finding space to exist in binary definitions.

When emotions are coded by gender, we don’t just hurt individuals — we rob society of emotionally intelligent, empathetic, balanced human beings. Every child deserves the full emotional palette — not a version filtered through outdated gender roles.

The Impact of Gender-Defined Roles in Society

Rigid gender roles are not just personal — they’re systemic. They influence:

In Schools:

• Girls may shy away from STEM because “it’s for boys.”

• Boys may avoid the arts or caregiving roles due to fear of ridicule.

• Teachers may unconsciously reward boys for assertiveness and girls for obedience.

In the Workplace:

• Women are penalized for being too “emotional” or “ambitious.”

• Men are discouraged from taking paternity leave or entering nursing, teaching, or childcare.

• LGBTQ+ individuals are often marginalized in gendered professional spaces.

In Mental Health:

• Men are statistically less likely to seek therapy or mental health support.

• Women’s pain is often dismissed or downplayed in medical systems.

• Nonconforming individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide due to exclusion.

The Harm of Gendered Trait Segregation in Childhood

When we label emotions and behaviors as either “for boys” or “for girls,” we:

Restrict growth: Boys may suppress empathy; girls may be discouraged from being assertive.

Enforce stereotypes: This creates narrow expectations — e.g., “boys don’t cry” or “girls aren’t leaders.”

Punish non-conformity: Children who don’t “fit” into these binaries often face bullying or shame.

Affect mental health: Emotional suppression and identity conflict can result in anxiety, depression, or low self-worth.

This inadvertently results into:

1. Limiting Self-Expression: When boys are told to be “tough” and “not cry,” and girls are told to be “gentle” or “nurturing,” they may suppress parts of their personality that don’t align with those expectations. Over time, this can:
2. Stifle creativity and emotional development: Lead to low self-esteem if they feel they can’t be themselves and Cause internal conflict or confusion, especially for kids who don’t fit the mold
3. Reinforcing Gender Stereotypes and diminishes the essence of human life: Children absorb messages from family, school, media, etc. If they see boys always being leaders or girls always being passive, they internalize that as “how it should be.”

This can:

Limit career choices (e.g., boys avoiding caregiving roles, girls avoiding STEM)

Encourage conformity instead of individuality

Promote the idea that gender roles are fixed, not fluid or diverse

Other adverse impact of gender defined traits and roles over children

Bullying and Exclusion: Kids who don’t conform to gender norms — like a boy who likes ballet or a girl who likes wrestling — are often targets of bullying.

This can lead to:

1. Social isolation
2. Anxiety and depression
3. Higher school dropout rates or disengagement from learning

Emotional Suppression

Especially for boys, being told to “man up” and hide vulnerability can make it harder for them to:

1. Form healthy emotional connections
2. Communicate feelings effectively
3. Seek help when they’re struggling (which is linked to higher suicide rates in men)

Academic and Behavioral Issues:

Some research shows that rigid gender roles can affect how children behave and perform in school:

1. Boys might act out to prove their masculinity
2. Girls might underperform in subjects where they’re told “boys are better”
3. Teachers may unconsciously treat students differently based on gendered expectations

Why Gender Studies Matter in Organizations: The Case for D&I Training:

Gender studies are not just relevant in schools and media — they are equally critical in the workplace. In modern organizations, understanding gender dynamics can improve team collaboration, reduce unconscious bias, and promote equitable opportunities for growth and leadership. This is why Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) training has become essential across industries. When companies invest in gender-sensitive education, they foster a culture where all employees — regardless of gender identity or expression — feel respected, valued, and safe. It also leads to tangible business benefits: diverse teams tend to be more innovative, make better decisions, and connect more effectively with a diverse customer base. Without a strong grounding in gender studies, D&I initiatives can become superficial — missing the deeper work of reshaping attitudes, language, and workplace culture for long-term impact.

The Case for Gender-Neutral Language and Gender-Inclusive Education

Language shapes perception. When we shift to gender-neutral language, we open up space for everyone to be seen, heard, and respected.

Say “firefighter” instead of “fireman”

Use “they/them” for unknown or non-binary individuals

Avoid associating traits like “strong” with men or “gentle” with women

Likewise, gender-inclusive education teaches children that:

1. Emotions are universal
2. Skills and dreams have no gender
3. Respect and empathy are the foundation of a thriving community

It also helps counter toxic ideologies before they take root — especially in a digital age where children are vulnerable to online radicalization and hate speech.

The Power of Language: Why We Need Gender-Neutral Terms:

1. Words shape perception: When we say “man up” or “act ladylike,” we’re encoding expectations. Gender-neutral language encourages:
2. Emotional honesty: All children can be sensitive, strong, vulnerable, or brave — regardless of gender.
3. Inclusive learning environments: No subject, activity, or role is “off-limits” based on sex or gender.
4. Respect for identity: Children who are transgender or nonbinary feel more seen and safe when language reflects their identity.

Switching to terms like “they/them,” “humankind,” “firefighter” instead of “fireman,” or using “strong” instead of “masculine” supports emotional intelligence and inclusion.

Adolescence — A Cinematic Call for Gender Education

Netflix’s recent British series Adolescence is a haunting yet necessary portrayal of what happens when society fails its youth. It follows the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of a female classmate.

But the real story is about what led him there:

1. Toxic masculinity can take root in the absence of emotional education
2. Misogynistic online communities exploit boys’ confusion and anger
3. Schools and families often miss the warning signs due to gendered expectations

Jamie isn’t born violent — he’s made that way by a system that tells boys to be dominant, unfeeling, and in control. Adolescence doesn’t just tell a story; it issues a warning — and a call to action. The show has even spurred discussion on implementing anti-misogyny education in UK schools — a step in the right direction toward gender-inclusive reform.

1. Synopsis and Impact

The series explores the influences of toxic masculinity, online radicalization, and societal neglect on youth behavior. Notably, each episode is filmed in a single continuous take, intensifying the narrative’s rawness and authenticity.

1. Reflection of Gendered Trait Segregation

The series poignantly illustrates the dangers of rigid gender norms:

Online Radicalization: Jamie’s immersion into misogynistic online communities showcases how labeling traits as “masculine” or “feminine” can drive vulnerable youths toward harmful ideologies.

Emotional Suppression: Jamie’s inability to express vulnerability aligns with societal expectations of male stoicism, leading to internalized anger and tragic outcomes.

1. Advocacy for Gender Studies

The narrative underscores the necessity of gender studies:

Critical Awareness: Understanding constructs like toxic masculinity equips individuals to recognize and challenge harmful behaviors.

1. Educational Initiatives: The series has prompted discussions about incorporating anti-misogyny lessons in schools, highlighting the role of education in combating gender-based violence.

2. Promotion of Gender-Neutral Language and Emotional Freedom

Adolescence advocates for:

Inclusive Communication: Challenging derogatory terms and stereotypes fosters a culture of respect and equality.

Emotional Expression: Encouraging all genders to express a full range of emotions can prevent the internalization of feelings that may lead to violence.

Conclusion: Toward a More Compassionate Society

Gender studies is not about erasing differences — it’s about expanding freedom. It asks us to imagine a world where:

Boys can cry without shame.

Girls can lead without apology.

All children, regardless of identity, can dream, feel, and grow fully human.

By embracing gender-neutral language, dismantling emotional segregation, and teaching inclusive values, we don’t just create better individuals — we create a better society.

Let’s stop asking children to fit into narrow boxes. Let’s give them wings instead.

Emotions Are Not Gendered: Let Kids Feel Freely

We need to stop saying emotions are either “girly” or “manly.” Crying, caring, anger, fear, joy — these are human emotions. Encouraging emotional range in all kids leads to:

Better mental health

Healthier communication

Stronger friendships

Empathy-driven leadership

By removing the gender tag from emotions, we let children grow into balanced, compassionate adults.

Looking Forward: What We Can Do

1. Teach gender studies early: Not as ideology, but as a lens to think critically and fairly about roles and identities.
2. Encourage open expression: Let children pursue interests without labels — art, science, sports, dolls, or dinosaurs.
3. Model inclusive language: Adults can lead by example in speech, storytelling, and everyday interactions.
4. Challenge stereotypes at home and school: Correct outdated ideas gently, and celebrate diversity in thought and feeling.

Relevant Case studies and Publications:

1. Judith Butler talks about how gender is performed — not innate — and how these performances are socially conditioned.
2. Bell hooks emphasizes how patriarchy harms both boys and girls by enforcing dominance and submission roles.
3. Carol Gilligan pointed out that girls’ moral development is often overlooked when systems privilege male-centered frameworks of competition and justice over care and empathy.