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Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 2
Question 3
Read Item B below and answer the question that follows. Item B Feminist sociologists often emphasise the ways in which the socialisation process encourages people ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 2
Step 1
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate feminist views of the extent to which the socialisation process reinforces patriarchy.
Answer
Feminist sociologists argue that the socialisation process plays a crucial role in reinforcing gender identities that uphold patriarchal structures. Through agents of socialisation such as family, education, and media, individuals are often taught to conform to traditional roles, where masculinity is associated with power and dominance, and femininity with submission and nurturing. This hegemonic understanding promotes the idea that gender roles are natural and fixed, thereby entrenching patriarchal ideologies.
For instance, family structures usually reflect traditional gender roles, where boys may be encouraged to exhibit toughness and independence while girls might be encouraged to be passive and compliant. Education further reinforces these roles through gendered expectations, such as promoting boys in STEM subjects while steering girls towards humanities and arts, which can limit their opportunities and reinforce stereotypes.
On the other hand, some sociologists argue that the notion of gender is not entirely rigid and has become more fluid. They suggest that individuals can actively negotiate and construct their own gender identities, which can challenge traditional patriarchal definitions. This perspective highlights that while socialisation does play a role in reinforcing gender identities, individuals possess agency in how they perceive and express their gender.
Furthermore, recent movements advocating for gender fluidity look to deconstruct traditional binaries by promoting inclusivity and challenging patriarchal norms. This indicates that socialisation can simultaneously reinforce and challenge gender identities, outlining a more complex relationship than previously articulated by feminist theorists.
In conclusion, while feminist views indicate that the socialisation process significantly reinforces patriarchy through enforced gender roles, the emergence of fluid gender identities suggests that individuals can also resist and redefine these roles. Thus, the extent to which socialisation reinforces patriarchy is not absolute; it exists within a dynamic context where individual agency plays a role in negotiating gender identities.