Traditional

Parsons (functionalism) - Gender as a social construction

Nuclear family is essential for social stability

• women’s domestic role is functional for society, instrumental versus expressive roles

• Females have and ‘expressive role in the family, this is natural but reinforced by socialisation

• Males have an “instrumental role” in the family, this is also natural based on their physical strength by also reinforced through socialisation

• These roles are functional for the family and society and are learnt through socialisation but are changeable

Adler at al - Peer Groups (1)

• found that the popularity of boys depended on active and achievable characteristics, such as athleticism, coolness and social skills

• And success such as physical appearance and academic success

Adler at al - Peer Groups (2)

• peer groups may be involved in the negative policing of gender

• Males tend to bully using violence or be name calling

Adler at al - Peer Groups (3) sociologist

Garandeau et al

• found that girls use ‘relational bullying’ that is, they share with other boys and girls hurtful information about one another via social networking.

Religion (1)

• religion leans towards a ‘top down’ pyramid structure where men hold positions of power and authority, and women occupy a variety of supporting roles

Religion (2)

• different religions have various levels of gender segregation

• For example the Catholic Church is characterised by sociologist MORGAN as an ‘all male hierarchy

Religion (3)

Elliot

• argues ‘the bible itself is a handbook for the subjugation of women.”

• But ten the bible, like religion, was created by men for men and has been used ever since its start as their tool o keep women in their place