Gendered Tears: The Relationship of Gender Roles and Perceptions to Crying

Abstract

This research is a quantitative study that aims to examine how gender roles and beliefs affect crying behaviour in adult individuals living in an environment where gender norms are pronounced, such as Turkey. Conducted using a descriptive survey model, the study analysed data collected through an online questionnaire. The study revealed that gender roles significantly shape crying behaviour. It was determined that crying is not only a biological response but also a behaviour culturally and socially associated with gender. The findings show that women's crying behaviour is considered more socially acceptable and tolerated, while men experience more negative social interactions when they cry. Men's crying is generally perceived as a sign of weakness, which leads to the suppression of their emotional expressions due to social pressures. Although women have more freedom to express their emotions, this sometimes leads to negative labelling. In social contexts, both genders are reluctant to cry in public, but this reluctance is more pronounced among men in the workplace and among women in social spaces. Although participants accepted crying as a universal and natural human response, they were seen to perpetuate and reproduce traditional gender stereotypes. The restrictive effect of gender norms on emotional expression can lead to socio-psychological pressure in men and, in women, to a perception of manipulation, despite this being a relatively more socially acceptable situation. The research indicates that greater awareness is needed in society regarding gender equality and freedom of emotional expression. To this end, the study presents various important recommendations, such as transforming representations in the media and introducing emotional literacy programmes in education.