Socio of Families Exam 2

How are gender differences produced?

By society and reinforced daily - not determined by biology.

Gender is not just biological it is

socially constructed and learned

Sex

Biological (chromosomes, hormones, anatomy)

Gender

Social expectations and meanings attached to sex

Gender Roles

how people are expected to behave based on gender

Example of gender roles

“Men should be strong” “Women should be caring”

Gender as a social construction

Gender norms change across cultures & time periods, what feels ‘natural’ is often learned through socialization.

Example of gender as a social construction

Pink used to be for boys - shows gender norms are historical, not fixed

Gender Socialization Agent (Family)

Toys, chores, emotional expression differ by gender

Gender Socialization Agent (Schools)

Teacher expectations, textbook stereotypes

Gender Socialization Agent (Peers)

Reinforce rules - “that’s for boys/girls”

Gender Socialization Agent (Media)

Men = active/powerful, Women = caring/attractive

Theoretical Perspectives (Biological)

Focuses on natural differences between sexes

Theoretical Perspectives (Feminist)

Focuses on inequality, power, and social structures.

Theoretical Perspectives (Symbolic Interactionism)

Gender is ‘performed’ in daily interactions (Goffman)

How is love shaped?

By social structure, culture, and opportunity - not just individual feeling

Homophily

People tend to choose partners similar in education, class, race, and values. Ex) College students are more likely to date other college students.

Social Scripts

Unwritten guidelines for how to behave in relationships. Help to reduce uncertainty - who asks for a date, when to say ‘I love you’

What is the problem with social scripts today?

There is no single script this creates confusion, ghosting, and mixed signals.

Romantic Love

Passion, emotion, ‘the one’ idea - often idealized & unrealistic.

Utilitarian Love

Practical, stable, built through effort & shared life.

What do modern relationships expect?

They expect both romantic & utilitarian love - this creates tension.

Social change is relationships

• more choices, more uncertainty

• Technology (dating apps) reshapes how people meet and form relationships

• Traditional scripts weakening → people navigate with fewer shared rules.

Marriage & Cohabitation main points

• Marriage is changing due to economic, cultural, and social factors.

• Marriage reflects inequality, culture, and economic conditions - not just personal choice.

Marriage as an institution (symbolic)

Commitment, status, cultural meaning

Marriage as an Institution (Legal)

Rights, tax benefits, inheritance, and healthcare

Is cohabitation increasing, or decreasing?

Increasing as an alternative or a step before marriage.

Marriage rates are

Declining

Age as it relates to marriage is

rising (28-30 today vs. early 20s in the 1950s)

Why has marriage declined? (cultural)

Rise of individualism; prioritizing personal happiness over tradition

Why has marriage declined? (economic)

Financial instability & job insecurity delay or prevent marriage.