What are the factors of gender nonconformity? How have they changed over time?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Remembering the factor of cultural context helps when considering scientific studies of gender variance. Some children may be encouraged to play with all types of toys. It depends on the parents and community.
Many children were once punished for exhibiting gender variant behaviors, and in some conservative communities they still are. Parents may fear that their child's actions may become permanent expressions of gender variance in adulthood. They may also recognize that these expressions are clearly frowned upon by their culture.
Parents may want to protect their children from such hurt. Also, adults, in their roles as parents and grandparents enforce these standards in children, along with teachers, family, friends, and others.
What was once believed to be gender nonconforming behavior is now regarded by many people as less so, or perhaps even normal, especially for girls. Girls who like to climb trees and play with guns and who prefer to ride horses or engage in rough-and-tumble play were, at one time, all examples of gender variance. Now, in the United States, girls have much more freedom to engage in such activities without being labeled as gender nonconforming. It does seem, however, that boys who engage in gender nonconforming behaviors still provoke strong reactions.