Sociology as
Examine the ways in which sociologists can contribute to our understanding of how social identity is shaped by gender. (24 marks)
An identity is who we are, this is made up of how we see ourselves and how others see us. Social identity is based on one's membership to particular groups in society. This essay will examine the way in which sociologist contribute to our understanding by providing theories and ideas of how social identity is shaped by gender.
Ann Oakley, a feminist sociologist suggested that there are four ways in which gender socialization takes place during primary socialization. These are manipulation, canalization, verbal appellations, and different activities. Manipulation is when parents encourage behaviour that is seen as normal for the child's sex and discourage the behaviour associated with the other sex. For example, mothers may encourage girls to pay more attention to their appearance than boys. Canalisation is when children are 'channelled' by their parents towards toys and activities seen as appropriate for their sex. For example, girls may be given toys such as dolls and miniature kitchen that encourage an interest in being a mother and doing housework. Of course, boys may get these toys as well, but they are more likely to have 'boys toys' like trains and cars and so on. Verbal appellations are the ways parents talk to children, this tells them how important at an early age how important gender is. for example; 'good girl', 'naughty boy' and so on. Also, boys and girls are encouraged to get involved in different activities. Girls are expected to help their mother indoors while boys get greater freedom to roam outdoors. As they get older, girls are still expected to help out at home, whereas the men goes out, and are the breadwinners of the family. This shows how gender shapes social identity.
Feminists sociologist believe that children are trained to follow their gender expectations. They believe that this training goes on in the
An identity is who we are, this is made up of how we see ourselves and how others see us. Social identity is based on one's membership to particular groups in society. This essay will examine the way in which sociologist contribute to our understanding by providing theories and ideas of how social identity is shaped by gender.
Ann Oakley, a feminist sociologist suggested that there are four ways in which gender socialization takes place during primary socialization. These are manipulation, canalization, verbal appellations, and different activities. Manipulation is when parents encourage behaviour that is seen as normal for the child's sex and discourage the behaviour associated with the other sex. For example, mothers may encourage girls to pay more attention to their appearance than boys. Canalisation is when children are 'channelled' by their parents towards toys and activities seen as appropriate for their sex. For example, girls may be given toys such as dolls and miniature kitchen that encourage an interest in being a mother and doing housework. Of course, boys may get these toys as well, but they are more likely to have 'boys toys' like trains and cars and so on. Verbal appellations are the ways parents talk to children, this tells them how important at an early age how important gender is. for example; 'good girl', 'naughty boy' and so on. Also, boys and girls are encouraged to get involved in different activities. Girls are expected to help their mother indoors while boys get greater freedom to roam outdoors. As they get older, girls are still expected to help out at home, whereas the men goes out, and are the breadwinners of the family. This shows how gender shapes social identity.
Feminists sociologist believe that children are trained to follow their gender expectations. They believe that this training goes on in the