Gender Role Socialisation - Ann Oakley (1981)

• Ann Oakley completed her research on Gender Role Socialisation in 1981
• Ann Oakley (1981) is a feminist who argues that gender roles are socially constructed through socialisation
• Ann Oakley (1981) explains how children are socialised into their gender roles by their families in 4 Ways:

  • Manipulation
  • Canalisation
  • Verbal Appellation
  • Different Activities
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 1st Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Manipulation
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 2nd Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Canalisation
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 3rd Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Verbal Appellation
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 4th Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Different Activities
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 1st Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Manipulation:

  • This consists of encouraging behaviour that is seen as stereotypically acceptable for the child's gender & discouraging behaviour that is not considered the norm
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 1st Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Manipulation:

  • Examples - Laughing if a boy gets muddy, or congratulating him for attempting something adventurous, but discouraging a girl from doing anything that involves them getting dirty or adventurous
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 3rd Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Verbal Appellation:

  • This refers to giving children nicknames or pet names that reinforce gender expectations
  • Girls = "Little Angel" or "Princess"
  • Boys = "Little Monster" or "Soldier"
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 4th Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Different Activities:

  • Parent or family members may encourage children to participate in activities around the home that reinforce stereotypes
  • Girls = Helping their mother with baking
  • Boys = Helping his father to clean the car
• Ann Oakley (1981) states the 2nd Way the family socialises their children into their gender roles is through Canalisation:

  • This involves parents channelling their children's interests into toys, games & activities considered the norm for their gender
  • Boys = Playing Football
  • Girls = Encouraging to play with dolls & go to Ballet