On National Teacher Day, meet the 2024-25 Kenan Fellows
Brain gender and social construction
1.
2. By expecting different behaviors from people
because they are male or female, society nudges
boys and girls into separate directions from an
early age
◦ This foundation carries over into adulthood
“gender map”- our culture’s guidelines of what is
appropriate for our sexes
3. • Our parents are the first significant others who
show us how to follow the gender map
• Studies had concluded that in US society, mothers
unconsciously reward female children for being
passive and dependent and male children for
being active and independent
• In general, parents teach their children gender
roles in subtle ways
– With toys they buy, rules they set, and expectations they
have
4. Gender socialization is reinforced as the child is
exposed to other aspects of society
◦ Peer group is one of the most powerful
Friends, classmates, etc.
5. Mass media reinforces society’s expectations of
gender
◦ TV- male characters outnumber females 2:1 and are
more likely to be portrayed in higher statuses
6. Mass media reinforces society’s expectations of
gender
◦ TV- male characters outnumber females 2:1 and are
more likely to be portrayed in higher statuses