The social construction of hegemonic gender identities through socialisation

The role of the family

• Parents and relatives tend to hold stereotyped view of the typical or ideal characteristics of boys and girls.

• They often bring up their children in accordance with what they regard as normal masculine an feminine behaviour.
• Oakley (1972) identifies four processes during primary socialization:
  • Manipulation: boys and girls are encouraged to adopt behaviours regarded as appropriate and normal for their gender.
  • Canalization: boys and girls are directed towards different toys and games. Sports equipment, science toys, weapons, electronic toys and transport toys develop the technological intrest and sporting skills that are considered part of a masculine environment. Domestic and baby toys develop skills reflected in traditional gender roles for women. Girls play the roles of nurses while boys play the roles of doctors. Parents tend to buy girls bright, colourful clothing while boys recieve plain, practical clothing. They are learning adult gender stereotypes by mimicking them.
  • Verbal appellations: boys and girls are exposed to different language and praised or rebuked for different things. 'You're such a brave boy' or 'you're such a sweet girl'. Rewarding appropriate behaviour for their gender.
  • Different activity exposure: boys and girls are exposed to different activities. This…