Gender identity Flashcards
How do male peer groups reinforce their definitions of masculinity?
Through verbal abuse
This is exemplified in Willis’ boys in anti-school subcultures.
What does Mac an Ghaill’s study show about peer groups?
They reproduce a range of different class-based masculine gender identities
For example, the ‘macho lads’ were dismissive of working-class boys who aspired to middle-class careers.
What concept exists in today’s society regarding masculinity?
The ‘new man’ concept
This reflects a generational change in perceptions of masculinity.
Fill in the blank: Male peer groups also use _______ to reinforce their definitions of masculinity.
verbal abuse
True or False: Mac an Ghaill’s study found that all boys in peer groups supported each other’s ambitions.
False
The ‘macho lads’ dismissed the aspirations of other working-class boys.
What did Haywood and Mac an Ghaill find about male teachers’ behavior towards boys?
Male teachers told boys off for ‘behaving like girls’ and teased them for achieving lower marks than female students
This behavior can impact boys’ gender identity.
How are girls expected to behave according to Francis’s findings?
Girls are expected to be relatively quiet and conformist
Non-conformity can lead to harsher punishment for girls compared to boys.
What happens to girls who do not conform to the expected behaviors?
They may be punished more heavily than boys behaving in the same way
Boys’ bad behavior is often viewed as ‘natural high spirits’.
What is a common perception of boys’ bad behavior?
It is seen as ‘natural high spirits’ and the idea that ‘boys will be boys’
This perception can influence how discipline is applied in schools.
What is the implication of the evaluations regarding girls conforming to expectations?
Not all girls are conforming to the expectations or stereotypes found by Francis
The emergence of ‘Ladettes’ indicates a shift in behavior among some girls.
What does Mac an Ghaill refer to as the ‘male gaze’?
A way of seeing women as sexual objects
The concept critiques how women are often viewed through a male perspective, reducing them to mere objects of desire.
How does the male gaze reinforce dominant masculinity?
Through surveillance that devalues femininity
This process involves scrutinizing and objectifying women, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
What is one method through which the male gaze is expressed?
Telling of sexual conquests
This behavior often serves to showcase masculinity and assert dominance.
What risk do boys face if they do not display heterosexuality as expected?
Being labelled gay
This reflects societal pressures and the stigma associated with not conforming to traditional masculinity.
What type of policies exist in schools regarding sexism?
Policies to tackle issues such as sexism and discrimination
These policies aim to create a more equitable environment for all students.
What is a double standard?
A double standard exists when we apply one set of moral standards to one group but a different set to another.
How do double standards manifest in gender identity?
Boys boast about their sexual adventures but call a girl a ‘slag’ if she doesn’t have a steady boyfriend or if she dresses in a certain way.
What is the societal perception of sexual conquest among boys?
Sexual conquest is approved of and given status by male peers and ignored by male teachers.
What negative labels do girls face concerning their sexual behavior?
‘Promiscuity’ among girls attracts negative labels.
What concept does the reinforcement of double standards contribute to?
The reinforcement of double standards helps to reinforce ‘hegemonic masculinity’.
What does hegemonic masculinity refer to?
The dominance of heterosexual masculine identity and the subordination of female identities.
How do feminists view double standards in society?
Feminists see these double standards as an example of patriarchal ideology and a form of social control that reinforces gender inequality.
What did Francis (2005) find about boys in classroom discussions?
Boys dominate classroom discussion and often belittle the contributions of girls
This finding highlights gender dynamics in educational settings.
What type of behavior do boys belittle in the classroom?
Behavior they see as girly or gay, such as being friendly with girls or female teachers
This reinforces notions of heterosexual masculinity.
What kind of terms do boys use in relation to verbal abuse?
Terms of abuse related to women or female body parts
This reflects a broader cultural attitude towards gender.
What subjects are taught in schools to promote equality and respect?
PSHE and Citizenship
These subjects aim to address issues of discrimination and foster a respectful environment.
What symbolic capital do working class girls gain by performing a hyper-heterosexual feminine identity?
Status and popularity
This is achieved by constructing a ‘sexy’ appearance using brands such as Nike.
What risk do girls face if they fail to conform to hyper-heterosexual feminine identity?
Being called a ‘tramp’
This reflects the policing of identity within female peer groups.
What competing demands must girls balance according to Currie et al (2007)?
Being loyal to the female subculture and competing for boys in the dating culture
This balancing act affects their social standing within peer groups.
What term is used for girls who are too competitive for boys?
Slut shaming
This leads to being labelled as a slut and potentially excluded from the friendship group.
What is the consequence for girls who do not compete for boys?
Frigid shaming
This reflects the pressure girls face within their peer groups.
What tool is used by the subculture to police each other’s identities?
Shaming
This includes both slut shaming and frigid shaming.
What pressure do some girls face regarding their educational success?
Pressure to conform to the school’s notion of the ‘ideal’ female pupil
This can conflict with their peer group identity.
What identity do girls present to avoid exclusion from the school environment according to Reay (2001)?
Asexual identity
This involves presenting themselves as lacking interest in boys or fashion.
What label do girls risk if they present an asexual identity?
Boffins
This label can lead to exclusion by both female and male peers.
How do middle class female ‘boffins’ respond to the perception of working class girls?
By defining working class girls as ‘chavs’
This reflects class-based perceptions and stereotypes within peer groups.
