Chapter 2 Gender Roles in Relationships

1. Chapter 2Gender Roles in Relationships • Terminology • Changing Gender Roles • Theories of Gender Role Development • Agents of Socialization • Gender Roles in other Societies • Consequences of Traditional Gender Role Socializations

2. Theories of Gender Role • Development • Sociobiology • Identification • Social Learning • Cognitive Development

3. Sociobiology Emphasizes biological explanations for differences in sexual behavior: • 17% of men, and 3% of women, had over 21 sexual partners since age 18. • Men are more likely to engage in casual sex.

4. Identification • Children acquire the behaviors of their same-sex parent by identifying with that parent. • Boys identify with their fathers. • Girls identify with their mothers.

5. Social Learning • Gender role behavior is learned by reward and punishment. • Females are rewarded performing traditional tasks. • Females have to defend career success.

6. Cognitive-Development Theory • Gender role acquisition depends on the mental maturity of the child. • Children don’t view gender as permanent until age 6 or 7. • Once children learn the concept of gender they want to be proper members of their gender group.

7. Family Peers Religion Education Economy Media Computers Agents of Socialization

8. Female Role Socialization Negative Consequences • Less education/income. • High HIV infection risk. • Negative self-concept. • Negative body image. • Less marital satisfaction. 

9. Female Role Socialization Benefits • Longer life expectancy.  • Stronger relationship focus.  • Caring for others. • Bonding with children.

10. Male Role Socialization Negative Consequences • Identity synonymous with occupation. • Limited expression of emotions. • Fear of intimacy. • Custody disadvantages.  • Shorter life expectancy.  

11. Male Role Socialization Benefits • Positive self-concept. • Greater confidence in themselves. • Higher income and occupational status.