Agencies of gender construction: Family, education and
religion.
Scholars generally regard gender as a social construct—meaning that it does
not exist naturally, but is instead a concept that is created by cultural and
societal norms. Gender construction begins at birth.
At an early age, we begin learning cultural norms for what is considered
masculine and feminine. Children are given traditional male or female names,
nurseries decorated either in pink or blue, accessorized with dolls or trucks,
and closets full of dresses or collared button-up shirts.
Agents of gender construction are the people, places, and things that
influence how children and adults learn about gender roles and identities.
These agents include family, school, peers, media, religion etc.
, Family
Family is the very first agent of gender construction. Parents often serve as a
child’s initial guide to understanding gender roles. From infancy, they impart
distinct expectations based on the child’s sex. There is considerable evidence
that parents deal with sons and daughters differently by encouraging gender-
stereotypical activities. Fathers, more than mothers, are particularly likely to
encourage gender-stereotypical play, especially in sons. Parents are likely to
discuss emotions with their daughters than their sons.
Girls may be asked to fold
laundry, cook meals or perform
duties that require neatness and
care. Boys and girls are raised
differently in activities like toys,
play, chores, and achievements,
reinforcing traditional gender
roles. Boys are encouraged to be
independent and strong, while
girls are taught to be caring and cooperative. Also, boys often face their
father’s disapproval if they engage in an activity that might be considered
feminine, like dancing or singing.
religion.
Scholars generally regard gender as a social construct—meaning that it does
not exist naturally, but is instead a concept that is created by cultural and
societal norms. Gender construction begins at birth.
At an early age, we begin learning cultural norms for what is considered
masculine and feminine. Children are given traditional male or female names,
nurseries decorated either in pink or blue, accessorized with dolls or trucks,
and closets full of dresses or collared button-up shirts.
Agents of gender construction are the people, places, and things that
influence how children and adults learn about gender roles and identities.
These agents include family, school, peers, media, religion etc.
, Family
Family is the very first agent of gender construction. Parents often serve as a
child’s initial guide to understanding gender roles. From infancy, they impart
distinct expectations based on the child’s sex. There is considerable evidence
that parents deal with sons and daughters differently by encouraging gender-
stereotypical activities. Fathers, more than mothers, are particularly likely to
encourage gender-stereotypical play, especially in sons. Parents are likely to
discuss emotions with their daughters than their sons.
Girls may be asked to fold
laundry, cook meals or perform
duties that require neatness and
care. Boys and girls are raised
differently in activities like toys,
play, chores, and achievements,
reinforcing traditional gender
roles. Boys are encouraged to be
independent and strong, while
girls are taught to be caring and cooperative. Also, boys often face their
father’s disapproval if they engage in an activity that might be considered
feminine, like dancing or singing.
