Question

Explain the heteronormativity

Answer 1

• Heteronormativity refers to the social expectations of human behaviour; that it must necessarily fit into the ‘gender binary’. 
• The ‘gender binary’ is the division of gender into boy/man and girl/woman. Heteronormativity implies that boys/men and girls/women are expected to behave differently, according to the sex as male or female. Thus, their behaviour is understood to fall into two categories:
• behaviour expected from boys and men 
• behaviour expected from girls and women
• Those who do not follow these expectations are criticized, made fun of, teased, harassed or even punished. However, today, heteronormativity and its related gender stereotypes are questioned or challenged. 
• Example: Examples of heteronormative expectations that are found in society are: 
• boys are strong and courageous 
• Teaching or nursing is a girl’s profession, they can be good caretakers.