Influence of Culture On Gender Roles

Question 1

when can you assume that gender is innate?

Answer 1

if a particular gender-role behaviour appears to be consistent across different cultures

Question 2

who are the researchers for the cultural differences(nurture)?

Answer 2

• Mead

Question 3

what did Mead do?

Answer 3

• carried out in cultural groups in Papua New Guinea
• Arapesh were gentle and responsive (sterotypically feminine)
• Mundugumor were aggressive and hostile (sterotypically masculine)
• Tchambuli women were dominant and they organised village life, men were passive and consider to be decorative (reverse of stereotype)

Question 4

what does Mead’s research suggest?

Answer 4

• there may not be a direct biological relationship between sex and gender
• gender roles are culturally determined
• she underestimated the universal nature of many gender-typical behaviours, the extent to which innate behaviours are expressed are largely as a result of cultural norms

Question 5

who are the researchers involoved in the cultural similarities (nature)?

Answer 5

• Buss
• Munroe (Robert and Ruth)

Question 6

what did Buss find?

Answer 6

• found consitent patterns in mate preference in 37 countries across all continents
• in all cultures, women sought men who could offer wealth and resources
• men looked for youth and physical attractiveness in potential partner

Question 7

what did Munroe and Munroe do?

Answer 7

• they found that most societies division of labour is organised along gender lines, with men typically being breadwinners and women as nurturers

Question 8

evaluations?

Answer 8

Point: The influence of culture on changing gender roles is supported by evidence.
Evidence: For example, Hofstede (2001) argues that as women take on more active roles in the workplace and move away from traditional domestic roles, traditional gender stereotypes break down in advanced industrialised societies.
Explain: Conversely, in traditional societies, women still primarily occupy the role of homemaker due to social, cultural, and religious pressures.
Link: Therefore, this suggests that gender roles are significantly influenced by cultural context.

Point: One limitation is that Mead’s cross-cultural research has since been criticised.
Evidence: For example, Freeman (1983) conducted a follow-up study and challenged Mead’s findings because she was misled by some participants and her preconceptions influenced her interpretations
Explain: This is an example of both observer bias and ethnocentrism.
Link: Therefore, this suggests that Mead’s interpretations may not have been objective, calling into question the conclusions she drew.