Chapter 10, Student Web Activities, Sociology and You, Glencoe, 2003

Chapter 10: Inequalities of Gender and Age
"Gender Socialization in Schools"

Introduction
In this chapter you learned about the concepts of sex, gender, and gender identity, as well as the inequalities people sometimes experience based on their gender. The gender socialization of children begins immediately, from the time they are born, and the consequences of this early socialization can be lifelong. The differences in the gender socialization of boys and girls in school significantly impacts their academic success in certain subjects and affects which subjects they choose to pursue as their future careers. In this activity you will take a closer look at the causes and consequences of gender socialization in schools.

Destination Title: Student Gender Differences

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Directions
Start at the Web site on Student Gender Differences.

Scroll down the page to read the full text of the article.

After reading the information, use what you have learned to answer the following questions.

1. How does the fact that boys are encouraged to play with action toys while girls are encouraged to express themselves verbally impact their future mathematical skills?

2. Describe the difference between male and female discourse models.

3. Name two or more factors that help to determine whether or not a student will like a particular subject?

4. What are some examples cited by the researchers of ways that parents, child care providers, and preschool teachers perpetuate gender stereotypes?

5. Imagine that you have been hired to devise an action plan for more equitable socialization of preschool and elementary school children. Prepare a handout that you would distribute to teachers and administrators at a meeting about this topic. What advice would you give them? What sorts of activities should they encourage? What should they try to avoid doing? Give them as many concrete examples and ideas for activities as you can. Conduct additional research if necessary.