The belief that certain beverages are gendered, such as black coffee being 'manly' and pumpkin spice latte being 'girly', reflects the process of gender socialization by reinforcing societal norms rather than simply expressing individual preferences.

Gender socialization is the way society teaches us what behaviors and preferences are considered appropriate for different genders. When we say that black coffee is "manly" and pumpkin spice lattes are "girly," we are reinforcing stereotypes that suggest men should prefer strong, bitter flavors while women should enjoy sweeter, more decorative drinks. This belief doesn’t just reflect personal tastes; it shapes how people feel they should act based on their gender. For example, a man might avoid ordering a pumpkin spice latte because he worries about being judged for not fitting the "manly" image. This shows that our choices can be influenced by societal expectations, leading us to conform rather than express our true preferences.