Chapter 5

Summary

Chapter five discusses gender roles and socialization. The chapter begins by examining common myths about men and women. Stereotypically, females are considered weak and males are strong. What’s more, children develop a gender identity fairly young and these identities are often influenced by fixed gender roles that we, as a society, have created. These gender roles are often the cause of gender stereotypes and myths. There are several theories that attempt to explain why gender roles differ and change throughout the life course. This chapter examines five of the most common: sociobiology, social learning theory, cognitive development theory, symbolic interaction theories, and feminist theories.

Sociobiology is “the study of how biology affects social behavior”. This theory suggests that nature, evolution and genetics, can explain why men and women have certain gender roles. The social learning theory proposes that people their gender roles through socialization. Whereas the cognitive development theory suggests that children learn gender roles on their own by passing through a series of developmental stages. The symbolic interaction theories argue that gender roles are socially constructed from daily interactions and various situations. Similarly, the feminist theories believe that gender is also a social construct and is “taught carefully and repeatedly”.

We learn gender roles from numerous sources such as parents, peers, school, popular culture, and the media. Traditionally, men are instrumental role players. A husband/father is expected to provide for his family as well as make sure they are protected. Women, traditionally, are expressive role players. They provide emotional support and nurturing qualities for the family. Outside of the family, men and women often play different roles in the workplace, politics, education, and religion as well.

What I Learned

By learning about the theoretical explanations of gender roles, I am now able to view gender roles from different perspectives and apply different aspects of these theories to everyday life.

Question/Concern

Why do you think men and women differ? Is it due to nature, nurture, or a combination of the two?