Gender Socialization and Identity Theory

Abstract

Gender socialization is examined through a social psychological lens by applying identity theory and identity control theory. Current research from the fields of family and sociological social psychology are surveyed to provide a better conception of how the family operates as agents of socialization, and how identities that are cultivated and fostered in youth provide meaning throughout the life course and maintain the social order. The application of identity theory shows how gender is a diffuse status characteristic, which is salient in person, role, and social (group) identities, and also across social situations. Identity control theory is applied to show how emotions operate within an internal control system to stabilize gendered identities and perpetuate the social structure. Both theories are specifically applied to understand socialization dynamics that exist for children and families.

Psychosocial Factors Influencing Work – Family Balance of Working Mothers

“…Thus, in subject individual, there is still conflict regarding her multiple roles. This finding also supports well identity theory that underlies on the role involvement, particularly on how an individual creates and maintain various roles that he/she takes (Carter, 2014). This means that a working mother is still demanded to commit to her multiple roles.…”

“…Identity based on gender will influence an individual's role in interacting. In this case, all types of identity (personal, role and group) involve gender and vary in expectation levels, just as man and woman are supposed to behave ideally based on traditional gender role (Carter, 2014). It can be said that although an individual with egalitarian gender role orientation, this does not influence work-family balance, regarding with culture factor.…”

Gendered health care labour markets? A case study of anatomical pathologists and haematologists in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

“…Socialisation theory has many proponents depending on its disciplinary origins. For purposes of this article we draw on contemporary gendered socialisation theory as proposed by Carter (2014). Carter (2014:245) and Riska (2003:61) maintain that girls and boys are socialised differently and hold different values and expectations about their sex roles and tasks as adults.…”

“…Through symbols and language, Carter (2014:244) argues that children are gendered into certain behaviours from birth itself. Language for boys is centred on physical characteristics, whereas girls are addressed in terms of expressivity and affection (Carter 2014). Career choices are made in agreement with expected gender positions that they are expected to occupy in the family.…”

Gender Differences in the Effect of Family Structure on Educational Outcomes Among Nigerian Youth

“…This theory has frequently been used by social scientists to explore underlying reasons why males and females act differently (Carter, 2014;Ram, Strohschein, & Gaur, 2014;Rampino & Taylor, 2013;Straiton, Roen, & Hjelmeland, 2012). They explain that socialization usually begins at birth; as families compared with other networks have a specific way of influencing gender differences biologically and socially (Crespi, 2004).…”