B.R. How would you define gender? Gender comprises the behavioral and psychological traits considered appropriate for men and woman. A person’s sex refers to the biological identity of that person (Male/Female) Variety of biological characteristics are the same in all societies

Gender roles and Identity Gender roles are the specific behaviors and attitudes society establishes for men and woman. Gender identity is the awareness of being masculine or feminine as those traits are defined by society. However the cultural values that influence gender identity and roles are not static and have changed in recent decades.

Gender Socialization Individuals learn appropriate gender-role behavior through socialization. Gender socialization begins at birth. It is reinforced first in the home and then school Socialization is the interactive process through which people learn the basic skills, values, beliefs and behavior patterns of their society.

Cultural differences In most cultures women care for the children. In some cultures woman are more bossy and efficient, while the men are more gossipy and artistic. In some cultures both men and woman have the traditional male trait of being aggressive. In New Guinea society it is common for men to wear make-up.

Activity: Gender Socialization Form into 4 groups of the same gender.( 2 male groups / 2 female groups ) One male group will analyze the male gender socialization process from birth to mature adulthood ( age 30 ), the other group will analyze the female gender. The female groups will follow the same format. Each group is responsible for listing as many aspects of socialization they can think of and then report their observations to the class for discussion.