Question

discuss the role of socialization in gender role stereo typing in India

Answer 1

Gender role stereotypes help to perpetuate gender norms within the three subsystems of biology, society and culture. These stereotypes are perpetuated through various means, such as through pressure from society and institutions, and the creation (and internalisation) of cultural gender norms. They often become so ingrained that we do not realise the extent to which they are socially constructed, and as Harrison notes, “[t]he lack of conscious intentionality in a large part of our performance then supplies its ‘naturalness’” (2006: 49). Indeed, the fact that gender often involves the body naturalises gender performances.

Such stereotypes serve to reinforce the rules of the subsystems and allow us to understand what constitutes deviance. It is only when rules within systems are set down and understood that they can be broken – it is only through the creation of stereotypes that gender nonconformity can exist. As Blessing suggests, “one’s gender presentation and responses to those of others are determined by how one thinks (consciously/unconsciously) one ought to look at a given moment” (1997: 14). By looking at the creation of gender stereotypes, we can understand how we believe that certain characteristics of an individual may be described as gender nonconforming. 

Answer 2

Answer:

Gender stereotyping and gender role development is one of the debatable concerns to sociologists especially those who are interested in sociology of gender. This study attempts to investigate the role of family inculcating gender stereotyping in Pakhtun culture and its impact on gender role development conducted in public-sector universities of Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The data were collected through in-depth interview method using interview guide as a tool of data collection. A sample size of 24 respondents consisting male and female students and teachers (8 samples from each university through purposive sampling technique) was selected from three universities in the region, that is, University of Malakand, University of Swat, and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sharingal (main campus). The collected information has been analyzed qualitatively where primary information has been linked with secondary data for further elaboration and attainment of grounded facts. The study reveals that gender stereotyping and gender role formation are sociocultural and relational constructs, which are developed and inculcated in the institutional network, social interaction, and social relationships especially in family. The study indicated that in family sphere, gender stereotyping and gender role formation are the outcome of gender socialization, differential familial environment, and parents’ differential role with children. The study recommends that gender-balanced familial environment, adopting the strategy of gender mainstreaming and positive role of media, can overcome gender stereotyping and reduce its impacts on gender and social role formation.

Explanation: