Gender and Identity: LT6 Flashcards
Sex
Biological difference between men and women
Gender
Social construction, cultural and social differences between sexes
Gender stereotypes
A generalised view of the typical or ideal characteristics of men and women
Hegemonic masculine characteristic
Sexual dominance, physical strength, aggression and competitive
Hegemonic feminine characteristic
Expression of emotion, weak, fragile and gentleness
Agencies of socialisation and gender
. Family
. School
. Peer group
. Media
Family as an agency of socialisation
parents have stereotypical views of characterisers of boys and girls and bring them up according to this
Oakley
Four processes of primary socialisation:
. Manipulation: Adopt behaviours
. Canalisation: Different toys and games
. Verbal appellation: Exposed to different language
. Activity exposure: Encouraged to do different activities.
However, Family socialisation
Parents have increased choice, bring children up as gender free. the family is not always stereotypical.
School as an agency of socialisation
Hidden curriculum creates stereotypes.
subject choice, parents and teachers suggest different subject choices to boys and girls E.g. Boys = electronics Girls = Textiles
What did Skelton propose?
The male gaze
The male gaze: School
Male teachers and students behaviours reflect dominant ideas about masculinity (E.g Chivalry) which encourages girls to behave stereotypically.
However, School socialisation
Changes to attitude and employment have reduced some traditional gender socialisation within school
Peer groups as an agency of socialisation
To gain acceptance in peer groups boys and girls conform to stereotypical identities
Double standards
Sexual conquest might be seen as approved masculine behaviour and gain status in peer groups however, females who show this behaviour might gain a spoiled identity.
However, Peer groups socialisation
Males and females identities are becoming more similar E.g. Ladettes
The media as an agency of socialisation
TV and advertising often show gender stereotypes presenting gender stereotypical roles E.g. Women = nurses Men = Soldiers
However Media socialisation
Increasing number of positive female roles which are emerging in TV and films E.g. Marvel superhero’s
Changing Female identities
. Females are now doing better than males in education, They have more positive role model that are replacing traditional stereotypes.
. Women’s Independent income increases, their financial need for marriage reduced.
However Female identities
. Related to social class, working class are more likely to continue to to follow traditional stereotypes whereas middle class girls are more likely to break them
. Society still remains unequal with men earning more
Similarity between masculine and feminine identities
E.g. the emergence of Ladettes (Loud, heavy drinking and aggressive)
Changing Male identities
. Prospects for young males are disappearing E.g. males underachieving & traditional macho employment disappearing.
. Male bodies are emerging as sex objects
. New masculine identities are concerned with appearance
New men
More caring, gentle, emotional and sensitive in attitude towards women
New lad
Reaction against new man. Associates with sex, aggressiveness and football
New dad
A man who enjoys the joys of fatherhood
Crisis of masculinity
A growing sense of insecurity accompanies the loss of mens purpose in relation to traditional hegemonic masculine identities E.g. the provider and protector
However, Crisis of masculinity
Likely to affect more males more than others E.g. working class hit hardeners due to de-industrialisation
Mac an Ghaill
The changes in society are creating a crisis of masculinity, with men feeling lost and searching for a gender identity that fits the modern world
