Sociology: Gender and Identity: Chapter 1: Introducing socialisation, culture and identity by Roberts et al., pp. 22-24

Context: Recent factors affecting English national identity include devolution, economic crises, and increasing immigration. These factors have seemingly strengthened English national identity.
Significance of Identity: An individual's identity becomes more significant when it is perceived as a source of conflict or oppression.
Negative Aspects: Critics argue that the emerging English identity is negative and exclusive, with groups like the English Defence League (EDL) embodying this exclusivity.
Perspective of Darcus Howe: In his documentary series White Tribe (2000), Howe reflects on his experiences growing up in the Caribbean within the British Empire and observes that the rise in English nationalism feels particularly exclusive and ‘white’, ultimately questioning his place in this identity.
Counter-Argument: Others posit that national identity is diminishing in importance due to globalisation. The assertion is that young people increasingly see themselves as 'citizens of the world' as national boundaries and cultures become less relevant.
Role of Technology: The advent of the internet and social media has contributed to the erosion of traditional boundaries associated with identity.

Cultural Homogenisation: Countries may adopt a global culture, leading to greater similarities across nations.
Cultural Hybridity: Some countries integrate aspects of global culture within their traditional frameworks, creating a new and unique cultural identity.
Cultural Resistance: Countries may resist the influence of global culture, opting to protect and reinforce their cultural heritage, often becoming more traditional and nationalistic.
Global Evidence: There is observable evidence for all three reactions to globalisation occurring in various countries, including the UK.

Cultural Examples: Can you provide examples for each of Hall's three paradigms of cultural response (homogenisation, hybridity, resistance)? Consider both UK and global instances.
Britishness: Professor A.H. Halsey claims that life in Britain has become homogenised and is heavily influenced by American culture, leading to an erosion of distinctly British qualities.
- Homogeneity Defined: The term ‘homogeneity’ pertains to uniformity or sameness across cultures.
- Halsey’s Position: Halsey’s views align with the idea of cultural homogenisation as defined by Hall.
- Personal Agreement: Reflect on your position regarding the Americanisation of life; consider if it's a positive or negative shift.

Introduction: Gender is frequently posited as a crucial aspect of identity, with male and female experiences shaping individual perspectives and interactions.
Fluid Nature of Gender Identity: Gender identity is recognised as not static and has evolved significantly over the past century for both genders.
Changing Gender Expectations: There is a contemporary recognition that neither femininity nor masculinity is singular; discussions are now pivoting towards 'femininities' and 'masculinities'.

Sociobiologist Perspective (Wilson, 1975): Gender behaviour is influenced by biological imperatives related to reproduction. Men are seen as needing to be promiscuous, while women focus on nurturing a single child and maintaining a partnership.

Expressive Role: Females embody the expressive role, which aligns with childbearing and is reinforced through social practices.
Instrumental Role: Males assume the instrumental role, acting as providers and protectors, reinforced by social expectations.
Social Construction of Gender: While some genetic predispositions exist, most sociologists assert that gender identities are primarily socially constructed and undergo change through socialisation.

Social Construction by Patriarchy: Feminists argue that a patriarchal society creates and enforces gender stereotypes, influencing behaviour and expectations.
Role of Socialisation Agencies:
- Peer Groups: Peer influences regulate acceptable behaviours for each gender from early childhood.
- Hey (1997): Investigated female adolescent peer groups and observed deep-rooted patriarchal norms affecting behaviour.
- Mac an Ghaill (1994): Focused on male social dynamics, showcasing how identity and masculinity were upheld through peer policing of sexuality.

Four Methods of Gender Role Socialisation:
1. Manipulation: Encouraging behaviours deemed acceptable for a child’s gender and discouraging behaviours outside that norm.
- Example: Praising adventurous behaviour in boys while discouraging girls from similar activities.
1. Canalisation: Guiding children toward gender-stereotypical toys and activities.
- Example: Girls play with dolls and attend ballet, while boys engage in sports.
1. Verbal Appellation: Assigning gender-specific nicknames that affirm expectations.
- Example: Girls labelled ‘princess’ vs. boys labelled ‘little monster’.
1. Different Activities: Involving children in household roles that reinforce gender stereotypes.
- Example: Girls assisting with baking, while boys might help with car maintenance.

‘Run Like a Girl’ Campaign: Procter & Gamble’s Always brand initiative that seeks to redefine phrases like ‘run like a girl’ away from derogation towards empowerment.
- Significance: Research indicates girls’ confidence drops during puberty, the campaign aims to counter negative associations with femininity.
‘Ban Bossy’ Campaign: Aiming to address the discouragement girls face when being assertive, contrasting with the positive reinforcement given to boys in leadership roles.
- Support: Backed by celebrities, encouraging girls to embrace leadership without fear of negative labels.
Discussion Questions: Engage critically about the importance of these campaigns and the societal implications of derogatory phrases.

Definition of Laddishness: A specific set of behaviours associated with masculinity, typically emphasising toughness and disengagement from academic effort.
‘Ladettes’: Girls emulating laddish characteristics through activities like smoking, drinking, swearing, and classroom disruption, driven by popularity concerns.

Connell’s Argument (1995): Modern masculinities encompass a spectrum, with hegemonic masculinity (dominant, aggressive, and breadwinner) being the most prevalent and esteemed.
Subordinate and Marginalised Masculinities: These identities exist within society but often lack validation and acceptance as a 'real' form of masculinity.

Mac an Ghaill (1994): The term denotes the insecurities experienced by working-class men amidst the loss of traditional job roles.
Canaan’s Research (1996): Investigated the perspectives of working-class men in Wolverhampton, contrasting employed individuals with the unemployed.
- Findings:
  - Employed men cited traditional values (fighting, drinking, and conquests).
  - Unemployed men felt emasculated, emphasising the importance of employment to their identity.