Influences on socialisation

Influences on the socialisation

Dog teaches baby how to sit

Activity:

1. Each group will be assigned an influence

2. As a group, you need to discuss how this person/ group could influence the socialisation (behaviour) of infants and children.

3. Summarise your ideas into three key dot points and contribute these ideas to the whiteboard mind map.

4. Copy the ideas into your exercise book.

Analyse how the socialisation of children influences the construction of gender

Gender socialisation is the process by which males and females are taught the norms and behaviours expected of their sex.

Society expects different attitudes and behaviours from boys and girls. Boys are raised to conform to the male gender roles (to be masculine and tough) and girls are raised to conform to the female gender or role (to be nurturing and caring). A gender role is a set of behaviours, attitudes, and personality characteristics expected and encouraged of a person based on his or her sex.

Activity One:

1. As a class, brainstorm a list of ways children are "gender socialised" by their:

   • Parents

   • Peers

   • The media.

Consider, for example, the colours they wear (particularly as infants and young children), the toys they are given, sports they are encouraged to partake in.

2. Complete the following stem statements:

• • Because I am a girl, I am expected to...

  • I expect boys to...

  • If I don't conform with societies gender expectations I might be labelled a...

Activity Two:

1. List three words you would use to describe the baby

2. Write what you would say to the baby

3. Describe how you would dress the baby

4. List the toys that you would purchase for the baby

5. Outline the colours you would use to decorate the baby’s nursery

6. What career do you think the baby will have when it grows up