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Child Psychology: A Contemporary Viewpoint, First Canadian Edition

E. Mavis Hetherington, University of Virginia
Ross D. Parke, University of California
Mark Schmuckler, University of Toronto at Scarborough

Gender Roles and Gender Differences

Application Questions


1		Words have a powerful effect on how we think and act. Such semantics are especially striking in the use of words that define the relationship of men and women. For example, the generic use of the term mankind can unconsciously condition men to think in male-centered ways and women to think that they are secondary or do not count. The changing norms of gender equality, within the legal system and the marketplace, have caused a renewed attention to sexist language. However, linguistic habits are learned early and are difficult to break. Consider nonsexist substitutes to the following terms in common usage and fill in the missing answers. mankind to humankind or humanity chairman to chairperson or chair spokesman to spokesperson or speaker or representative manpower to ? statesman to ? craftsman to ? brotherhood to ? common man to ? Dear Sir to ?



2		Your chapter discusses the ways in which parents treat boys versus girls and expectations that are held for clothing, play, academics, and general behaviour. Think about your experiences as a girl (or boy). In your family, what were the implicit and explicit messages around gender? Were your siblings of the opposite sex treated differently? How so? Why?



3		Consider how teachers and schools contribute to gender role development. Were boys and girls treated differently in your elementary school? junior high? high school? For example, how many boys opted to learn sewing during Home Ec instead of wood-working?



4		What beliefs about gender do you hold? While many of us might argue that we do not socialize boys differently than girls, perhaps we need to think again! For example, think about the last time that you bought a present for a young boy and for a young girl - how did the gifts differ? Why? Or again, consider whether you would dress your little boy in pink clothing. Why are we uncomfortable with this behaviour?



5		At the public library, examine a variety of books written for children. What are the direct as well as indirect messages about gender that are expressed by the authors? If possible, examine children's books from previous decades. Have the messages about gender changed over time?

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