Sex Role Theory

• functionalist theory
• Parsons 1955: As girls have access to the female expressive role model, Parsons argues that boys reject feminine models of behaviour and engage in ‘compensatory compulsory masculinity; towards aggression and anti-social behaviour. Socialisation is harder for boys than girls. 
• Cohen 1955: relative lack of an adult male role model ensures boys are more likely to turn to all-male street gangs
• Walklate 2003: criticises sex role theory for biological assumptions. Parsons assumes that because women have the biological capacity to bear children, they are best suited to the expressive role.