Gender Socialization in Adolescence

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses gender socialization, explaining the differences between the way males and females behave and how they are perceived in our society. The paper also identifies different types of socialization, that is by parents, peers and teachers and identifies some negative effects that can result.

Outline:
Socialization in by parents
Gender Socialization by Peers
Gender Socialization by Teachers
Socialization by media
Effects of Socialization

From the Paper:

"Early on in children's lives, they are subject to pressures to learn gender roles as well to acquire an identity specific to their sex. Gender roles are initiated sometimes even before the birth of a child, as seen by the fact that many parents purchase certain clothing that fit certain gender stereotypes. For example parents expecting a girl may purchase more "feminine" clothing such a pink outfit with a teddy bear logo whereas a boy would be more incline to receive a blue outfit with a race car logo on it, which would signify "masculinity" (O'Barr, 1989).
"Parents also tend to treat their kids differently depending on their sex. A baby boy tends to be treated less diligently than would a baby girl. A addition baby girl would tend to receive quicker responses from their parents when distressed than would a boy of the same age. Children also receive different toys from their parents that reflect their parents gender expectations. Girls' toys are typically dolls, play houses and cosmetic related toys. Boys also receive gender appropriate toys like toy cars, blocks, action figures, etc."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Levit, David B. "Gender Differences in Ego Defenses in Adolescence: Sex Roles as One Way to Understand the Differences." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 61 (1991): 992-999. Scholarsportal. Laurentian, Sudbury. 1 Nov. 2006. Keyword: social, gender, differences.
• O'barr, William M. "Representations of Masculinity and Femininity in Advertising." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 56 (1989): 95-108. Scholarsportal. Laurentian, Sudbury. 10 Nov. 2006. Keyword: Social, masculinity, media.
• O'heron, Connie A., and Jacob L. Orlofsky. "Stereotypic and Nonstereotypic Sex Role Trait and Behavior Orientations, Gender Identity, and Psychological Adjustment." Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 58 (1990): 134-143. Scholarsportal. Laurentian, Sudbury. 1 Nov. 2006. Keyword: social, gender.
• Punch, Samantha. "Household Division of Labour: Generation, Gender, Age, Birth Order and Sibling Composition." Work, Employment & Society 15 (2001): 803-823. Scholarsportal. Laurentian, Sudbury. 10 Nov. 2006. Keyword: Society, gender, children.
• Sadker, Myra, and David Sadker. "Failing At Fairness: How America's Schools Cheat Girls." Contemporary Sociology 24 (1995): 87-88. Scholarsportal. Laurentian, Sudbury. 10 Nov. 2006. Keyword: sociology, fairness.

More papers on Gender Socialization in Adolescence:

• Research Paper # 145063 : "Gender Dysphoria in Children"
• Term Paper # 105952 : "Gender Inequities"
• Research Proposal # 128099 : "Depression in College-Aged Women"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: