1. Adolescence and Gender
Defining Sex vs Gender
Chromosomal
Hormonal
Gonadal
Sexual Orientation
Gender Identity (mind)
Gender Roles (behaviors)
Gender is what defines us, our masculinity and femininity, not sex or sexual reproduction or sexual behavior

2. Differential Gender Socialization
Parents treat males / females differently
Girls treated less physically, more verbally
Out-role behavior is heavily punished by peers
Middle childhood, rules become more flexible
During puberty, though, rules become more rigid again
Mostly imposed by peers
Traditionally, males have received more attention in school, but recent research shows girls feel more accepted and encouraged than males

3. Cognition and gender
1. Kohlberg’s cognitive-developmental theory of gender
Gender identity develops around 3
Gender Permanence develops around 5
Then M/F select roles – self-socialization
Adolescents abstract the essence of feminine and masculine from many different examples
2. Gender schema theory – mental organization of facts – we selectively process information based on our gender – and then conform our behavior to that template

4. Female socialization Womanhood just happens – not achieved
Need to be sheltered from work – physical exertion would weaken the uterus – Narrow gender socialization (traditional cultures)
Should shelter her developing sexuality – would entice males (who we know can’t be controlled) – Narrow sexual socialization, traditional and modern cultures). Only in modern times are girls typically informed of menarche.
Typically work with mother, and remain close to her, throughout life – modified by marriage
Techniques for enhancing appearance – makeup, corsets, hose (foot binding in China)

5. Male socialization Manhood must be earned – demonstrated
Communal manhood – historical, nontraditional - join the tribe – it is the males who run the community – males need to demonstrate desire & ability to believe in and carry on the traditions – inherit the rules and the farm – modern Fraternities
Provide, Protect, Procreate
Develop character qualities of diligence & stamina, courage and fortitude
Man judged by his character – maturity, ability to be strong (physically, mentally, emotionally)
Modern societies today – Self-made manhood – economic
Passionate manhood – be passionate, fiery, aggressive, a lover

6. American History
Industrial rev. brought in new ideals – become independent – leave home
E.g., inception of YMCA, YWCA
Develop morals, physical ability – recall that the I.R. was a very unhealthy time – needed to re-emphasize health
Gender socialization in traditional cultures becomes BROAD for boys
Other cultures – tribal – e.g., Italian males live at home until they marry
Western cultures today - passionate manhood – self-expression and self-enjoyment more accepted today (but will this last in our new time of conservative values?)
Today, broad gender socialization for girls, and narrow sexual socialization
Narrow gender socialization for boys, and broad sexual socialization

7. Gender Intensification Hypothesis
At puberty, males and females accentuate their gender differences, both externally (physically) and internally (mentally)
Hold rigid gender stereotypes
Intense socialization pressure
Self-conscious about appearance
NORC data show gender role stereotypes have become less rigid

8. Media and Gender
Teen magazines relentlessly promote gender socialization of girls toward traditional feminine characteristics and behaviors
Physical appearance, how to appeal to boys
Also trying to influence teens to buy products – clothes for girls, electronics for boys
Main topic on careers for girls was modeling
Girls more likely to develop a negative body image
Leads to dieting and eating disorders
Males socialize each other to become more aggressive – ridicule each other and women
Establish a dominance hierarchy

9. Masculinity, Femininity, Androgyny
Judith Gibbons’ cross-cultural study of gender ideals
Ideal man & woman = kind & honest
Low value = money and popularity
More important for a man to have a good job
More important for a woman to be good looking
Bem SRI – most desirable M F traits
Expressive traits – Instrumental traits
During adolescence, higher self-image is realted to female androgyny than male androgyny

10. Androgyny may be healthier – more flexible
In adolescence, androgyny more healthy for girls than boys
Acceptance by peers is highest for androgynous girls and masculine boys
So in modern cultures there is a narrow gender socialization in gender traits for boys, but a broad gender socialization in traits for girls

11. Gender socialization as a source of problems
Gender Role Strain
Success, power, competition
Restrictive emotionality (Alexithymia)
Restrictive closeness with other men, including sons
Conflict between work and family relations
Males, gender role difficulties usually include aggression (dominance hierarchy), competition, suppress emotions, pain, injury, 4 times more likely to commit suicide
Increases risk-taking behaviors – which lead to accidents and diseases
Sexual harassment and abuse
Girls – focus on physical appearance – causes stress, pressures girls to define the self in terms of attractiveness, and perhaps contributes to eating disorders
Pressure from boys AND girls

12. American Minority Groups
African American females are more likely to have qualities that are typically thought of as more “masculine”
Self reliance, assertiveness, perseverance
Not as vulnerable to eating disorders
A-A males are perhaps more likely to accentuate hypermasculine characteristics
Latino – F submissive, M machismo

13. Gender stereotypes in emerging adulthood
Stereotypes about work roles, still present, but fading
Why do stereotypes exist? Motivation to BE different.

14. Male / Female circumcision
Much more restrictive for females
Cultural focus & meaning – interpretation of female sexual needs & purposes
No basis in medical science for necessity of either male or female circumcision

15. Discussion questions Emotions Roles Peer Pressure Media influences
Portrayal of men and women in media

16. Sexual socialization Gender socialization Males – Broad socialization
Females – Narrow socialization
Exception: bisexuality
Gender socialization
Roles
Males
Traditional – broad
Modern – “narrow”
Females
Traditional – narrow
Modern - broadening
Emotional
Males – narrow
Females - broad