Gender socialization

What is gender socialization? Who are the agents of gender socialization?

1. Gender Socialization

2. Gender Socialization- Definitions Gender socialisation is the process through which children learn about social expectations, attitudes, and behaviours typically associated with boys and girls (Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development). According to Henslin (1999), “Gender Socialization refers to the learning of behavior and attitudes considered appropriate for a given sex”. Cynthia Vinney (2019) defines it as “Gender Socialization is the process by which we learn our culture’s gender related rules, norms and expectations”.

3. Gender Socialization- Definitions Gender socialisation is a process in which one learns the behaviours , attitudes, and norms, and understand the social and cultural expectations in relation to one’s gender.

4. Agents of Gender Socialisation Parents: Parents are typically a child’s first source of information about gender. From birth, parents communicate different expectations to their children depending on their sex. For example, a son may engage in more roughhousing with his father, while a mother takes her daughter shopping. Teachers : Teachers and school administration model roles sometimes demonstrate gender stereotypes by responding to male and female students in different ways. For example, separating students by gender for activities or disciplining students differently depending on their gender may reinforce children’s developing beliefs and assumptions .

5. Agents of Gender Socialisation Peers: Peer interaction also contributes to gender socialisation . Children tend to play with same gender peers. Through these interactions, they learn what their peers expect of them as boys and girls. These lessons may be direct, such as when a peer tells the child that a certain behaviour is or is not appropriate for their gender. . Media: Media including movies, television, and books teach children about what it means to be a boy or a girl. The media conveys information about the role of gender in people’s lives and can reinforce gender stereotypes.

6. Feel free to ask any question.... Prepared By, Dr. Prerna Mandhyan Asst. Prof. Dept. of Education D. S. College, Katihar 7/23/2021