8. Gender socialisation

Question 1

What are gender roles?

Answer 1

The expected ways of behaving for the different genders

Question 2

Where do children learn gender roles?

Answer 2

During primary (eg imitation, gender identification, role learning) and secondary socialisation (toys, books)

Question 3

What did Margret Mead research and what did she conclude?

Answer 3

Researched three different tribes in New Guinea concluding many ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ characteristics are not based on sex differences but are based on cultural conditioning

Question 4

What has led to a ‘genderquake’?

Answer 4

Changes from the past in gender identity and behaviours e.g tomboys , ladettes, crisis of masculinity

Question 5

What is the ‘crisis of masculinity’

Answer 5

The decline of the traditional strong, emotionless man and the emergence of the ‘ new man’ more caring and emotional

Question 6

What have sociologists concluded about gender role expectations?

Answer 6

Gender role expectations are socially constructed through socialisation rather than based on biological differences

Question 7

Define Hegemony

Answer 7

Dominant overriding set of ideas

Question 8

Define hegemonic masculinity

Answer 8

Strong, traditional masculinity of white MC Britain, Breadwinner, tough, in control, no emotions

Question 9

Define Hegemonic Femininity

Answer 9

The frailer, weaker female concerned more with domestic tasks and emotions, primary carers

Question 10

What do Radical feminists suggest about gender role socialisation?

Answer 10

Socialisation has led to gross exploitation of women and is the most significant type of inequality in society.

Question 11

What do Liberal feminists argue about gender role socialisation?

Answer 11

Argue against gender role socialisation but see advances that have been made.

Question 12

Which feminist argues gender is just a performance?

Answer 12

Judith Butler

Question 13

What is Judith Butlers gender performaititivty?

Answer 13

Gender is a social construct that is performed through various behaviours, actions and expressions.

Question 14

Religions influence on gender role socialisation

Answer 14

-Traditional gender roles are greatly emphasised in religion.
-God is male, created Adam first, men are head of the synagogue/church/ mosque

Question 15

Educations influence on gender role socialisation

Answer 15

-Historically provided different education to girls and boys
-Subjects and expectations have favoured boys in the past
-Education is the fastest changing area to create equality
-Girls now outperform boys

Question 16

Which Feminist put gender role socialisation in families at the forefront of her work?

Answer 16

Ann Oakley

Question 17

What does Ann Oakley argue?

Answer 17

There is no justifiable relationship between biological sex and gender roles. She says biological characteristics are simply used as an excuse to discriminate unjustifiably.

Question 18

What are the 4 processes that help maintain traditional gender expectations and identities ?

Answer 18

1. Manipulation
2. Canalisation
3. Domestic activities
4. Verbal appellation

Question 19

What is Ann Oakley manipulation process

Answer 19

Parents encourage and reward or discourage behaviours on whether its appropriate for the childs sex.

Question 20

What is Ann Oakley process of canalisation?

Answer 20

Parents direct children’s interests towards toys/activities that seem normal for their sex.

Question 21

What is Ann Oakleys process of domestic activities?

Answer 21

Daughters may have cultural expectations about their future responsibilities that are reinforced by parents insisting they help with housework.

Question 22

What is Ann Oakleys process of Verbal appellation?

Answer 22

Parents refer to daughter and sons using stereotypical feminine and masculine descriptions e.g ‘pretty’ ‘handsome’

Question 23

What are gender codes?

Answer 23

A set of codes which result in conformity to gender norms and expectations

Question 24

Statham’s colour codes

Answer 24

Dressing boys in blue and girls in pink

Question 25

Statham’s appearance codes

Answer 25

We learn what dress, hairstyles, cosmetics and jewellery are appropriate for males and females

Question 26

Statham’s toy codes

Answer 26

Gender specific toys give us clues about expected future gender roles e.g girls get dolls and boys may receive aggressive toys

Question 27

Statham’s play codes

Answer 27

Boys may be expected to play boisterously whereas girls may be expected to play in a more docile way

Question 28

Statham’s control codes

Answer 28

Boys and girls are subjected to different types of social control, especially when they reach their teenage years

Question 29

Where are women overrepresented in the media?

Answer 29

Women are over represented in the media in domestic settings e.g housewife’s and contented mothers. Also as sexual objects to be enjoyed by men.

Question 30

What in the media has become more accessible to children?

Answer 30

Pornogrpahy

Question 31

Historically what has the education systems done?

Answer 31

Historically the education system has provided different schooling for girls and boys which have favoured boys in the past.

Question 32

What is the fastest changing area to create greater gender equality?

Answer 32

The education system is the fastest changing area to create greater equality . Girls now outperform boys.

Question 33

What are the two main ways gender-role socialisation has been refined?

Answer 33

1. Experience of both men and women vary greatly due to social class, ethnicity and age.
2. It’s assumed women passively accept the gender identity imposed on them. But today most women have the choice to shape their own identity.

Question 34

What is masculinity now experiencing?

Answer 34

Masculinity today is experiencing change. There are now alternative types of masculinity

Question 35

What are the ‘new’ types of masculinity?

Answer 35

Gay masculinity, Sensitive and Non-competitive forms of masculinity (vegetarians or support the environmental movement)

Question 36

What is the ‘new man’?

Answer 36

A more in touch male with his feminine and emotional feelings and who shares childcare and housework with his female partner.

Question 37

What is the ‘Meterosexual’ man?

Answer 37

Concerned with image and invest in personal or grooming products

Question 38

What is central to the identity of many men?

Answer 38

Work - so unemployment can lead to a loss of self esteem and status. Younger males may see their future as bleak and view schooling as irrelevant.

Question 39

What educational changes led to females high achieving?

Answer 39

The national curriculum aimed to prevent gender stereotypes or subject choice.

Question 40

What helped women in the workplace?

Answer 40

There was an expansion of the service sector and most of these new jobs were gender neutral.

Question 41

What does Wilkinson argue?

Answer 41

The feminisation of the workplace and economy has lead to a revolution in women’s ambitions. - Genderquake

Question 42

What is now the defining feature of many women’s identity in modern society?

Answer 42

Careers and economic independence

Question 43

What is now hindering women in modern society?

Answer 43

New forms of sexism are creating problems for women. A new hyper-sexual culture places a very strong emphasis on women’s appearance and pressure to conform.