1. SOSC 200Y Gender and Society Lecture 4: Formation of Gender Identity

2. L4: 18.09.06 Socialization A process that we learn the characteristics of our culture It continues throughout the life course Gender socialization –Gender role: perceptions of men and women –Gender-typical behaviour –Social attitudes Agents of socialization

3. L4: 18.09.06 Gender socialization at home Parents and adults (fundamental source) –Interaction patterns –Their roles in families Gender learning –Toys –Story books –Television programs

4. L4: 18.09.06 Sex role stereotypes in school Gender Socialization Process in Schools: Divide boys and girls Reinforce their differences Formal curriculum –Stream of Study –Textbooks

5. L4: 18.09.06 E.g. Gender representation in textbooks An exercise on articles in English: A Modern Course 1 (p.7) –Mr. Lam is __ assistant manager. –Mr. Brown works for __ import firm. –Mrs. Lee is __ housewife. She spends __ hour __ day in the health club to keep fit. A lesson on BUT in the textbook (p.9) –Mr. Lee doesn’t have a personal computer but he has a sports car –Mrs. Lee doesn’t have a mixer but she has a microwave oven.

6. L4: 18.09.06 E.g. Gender representation in textbooks Pictorial Representation of males and females Kinds of activitiesMaleFemale Doing housework01 Working268 Studying/ at school25 Playing188 Relaxing44 Engaging in social activities619 Engaging in personal/ family activities145 Other2311 Total9352

7. L4: 18.09.06 Avoid sexist writing Man Mankind Man-made Manpower One-man show Businessmen Freshmen Firemen Salesman Housewife Person, Individual Humankind, human beings Human-made Personnel, Human resources Solo show Business people First-year student Fire fighter Salesperson Homemaker

8. L4: 18.09.06 Sex role stereotypes in school Informal curriculum –Classroom interaction –Academic and career advice –School Structure Hierarchical Structure Female Teachers Tertiary education< 40% Secondary Sch54% Primary School75% Kindergarten99% Authority Structure F. Principles Science teachers Art teachers Other Adm. staff

9. L4: 18.09.06 Suggested Reading: Andersen, Margaret L. (2003) Thinking About Women: Sociological Perspectives on Sex and Gender (6/e). Boston: Allyn & Bacon, ch.2