Sex Stratification and Male Biography: From Deprivation to Ascendance

Abstract

This essay examines some of the implications of early childhood confinement to the household for the development of male character structure. The argument developed is that assignment to women and the household makes small boys outsiders, who receive less comprehensible and positive forms of socialization than small girls. This deprivation experience contributes to the competitiveness and assertiveness of the male response to more favored treatment during the school years, leading to their eventual ascendance. In contrast females' greater centrality and more supportive treatment in early childhood may contribute to "passive" acceptance of male ascendance.

The activity involvement of women and men in young and middle adulthood: A panel study

“…Specifically, whether reported gender differences in both activity involvement and the factors influencing such involvement remain stable as women and men age is not clear. Developmental research has revealed that patterns of cognitive, moral, and personality or ego development, as well as socialization experiences and cultural expectations differ by gender to various degrees across age (Bleier, 1983;Block, 1973;Gilligan, 1983;Haan, 1972;Hunt, 1980;Loevinger, 1976;Maas & Kuypers, 1975;Neugarten, 1968a;Reinke, 1985;Rodeheaver & Datan, 1985;Rossi, 1980Rossi, , 1984Rothbart & Maccoby, 1966;Sales, 1977;Veroff & Smith, 1985). For example, studies of personality have shown that until about 40 or 50 years of age women tend to score higher on affiliative and relational measures and men, on measures of independence and agency.…”