Sex and gender: sex-role stereotypes and androgyny
Sex refers to biological make-up of a person, indicates whether female or male.
Sex is innate (genetic) and result of nature
Gender refers to their social and psychological characteristics. Gender is learnt
and result of nurture
Sex-role stereotype = set of beliefs and preconceived ideas about whats
expected/appropriate for men and women in a given society
Sex-role stereotype: qualities and characteristics expected of members of each
sex. When these become more common, the behaviour is seen as gender
stereotypical and people feel pressured to conform to these roles. Sex-role
expectations are taught from early age w/ females seen as more gentle, kind
and co-operative whilst males more aggressive and competitive. This is
continued through school w/ boys picking subjects like maths, physics whilst
girls do essay subjects English, even seen in job roles males engineers, female
nurses.
Media, TV and games stereotype gender behaviour and exhibit these in the
language used and characters. Effect this has on children watching – internalise
it.
Evaluation of sex-role stereotypes
Research into sex-role stereotypes: smith and Lloyd showed mothers treat
male and female babies differently, in line w/ stereotypes. Mothers were
videotaped playing for 10 minutes w/ a 6 month old child. Research showed
if mum thought she was playing w/ a boy, she encouraged motor activity and
gender appropriate toys. If thought a girl, cuddly doll. Conclude: adults
Sex refers to biological make-up of a person, indicates whether female or male.
Sex is innate (genetic) and result of nature
Gender refers to their social and psychological characteristics. Gender is learnt
and result of nurture
Sex-role stereotype = set of beliefs and preconceived ideas about whats
expected/appropriate for men and women in a given society
Sex-role stereotype: qualities and characteristics expected of members of each
sex. When these become more common, the behaviour is seen as gender
stereotypical and people feel pressured to conform to these roles. Sex-role
expectations are taught from early age w/ females seen as more gentle, kind
and co-operative whilst males more aggressive and competitive. This is
continued through school w/ boys picking subjects like maths, physics whilst
girls do essay subjects English, even seen in job roles males engineers, female
nurses.
Media, TV and games stereotype gender behaviour and exhibit these in the
language used and characters. Effect this has on children watching – internalise
it.
Evaluation of sex-role stereotypes
Research into sex-role stereotypes: smith and Lloyd showed mothers treat
male and female babies differently, in line w/ stereotypes. Mothers were
videotaped playing for 10 minutes w/ a 6 month old child. Research showed
if mum thought she was playing w/ a boy, she encouraged motor activity and
gender appropriate toys. If thought a girl, cuddly doll. Conclude: adults
