3.1.3 Social exp. 2: Gender Socialisation Evaluation

Question 1

Fagot (1978) eval.

Answer 1

High ecological validity
- naturalistic observation
- constructed in the children’s homes
- behaviour is likely to be more reflective on real-
life interactions

Question 2

5 bullet points

Fagot (1978) weaknesses

Answer 2

• small sample size
• limited diversity
• ethical concerns
• lack of control over variables
• gender stererotyping

Question 3

4 bullet points

Fagot (1978) conclusion

Answer 3

• naturalistics
• shows valuable insights into children and gender differences
• however small samplea and observer bias potential
• lack of control over variables mean reduced generalisability and reliability

Question 4

Cohen (1955)

Answer 4

• suggestion that gender socialisation is more difficult for boys is an intriguing perspective

Question 5

4 points

Strengths of Cohen (1955)

Answer 5

findings:
- rigid masculine norms
> pressure to conform to expectations of restrictiveness e.g tough, competetive

• less flexibility in male roles
  > socialisation is harder for males
• risk of psychological consequences
  > higher rate of mental health issues due to pressure
• peer pressure and masculine norms
  > difficult to express themselves

Question 6

3 points

weaknesses of cohen (1955)

Answer 6

• overgeneralisation
  > doesn’t apply to all males
• cultural and societal changes
  > less relevant in modern society
  > boys find it easier to socialise
• underestimates female challenges
  > high pressure
  > expected to conform to the ‘feminine image’

Question 7

3 points

Adler (1975)

Answer 7

• Suggests we would expect to see a direct relationship between level of social control exerted over women and their rates of criminal behaviour
• As women’s social control decreases, their criminal behaviour would increase
• As women gained more freedom in the 1960’s and 1970’s, female arrests for violent crimes increased significantly