National Geographic traveled to 80 homes on four continents to ask kids how gender affects their lives. The answers from this diverse group of children were astute and revealing

In traditional cultures the path to manhood is marked with ceremonial rites of passage. But in societies moving away from strict gender roles, boys have to find their own ways to become men.

In some ways it’s easier to be an American girl these days. Although beauty still rules, people are more accepting of differences. In another way it’s worse: Everything plays out on social media.