Theoretical Perspectives on Gender

Functionalism
   Functionalists believe that any pattern of behavior that does not benefit society will become unimportant. They believe the responsibilities of females and males still exist because it benefited human living. Early humans found the division of labor efficient. Men tend to be larger and stronger, causing them to hunt and be protective.

Conflict Theory
   Conflict theorists believe it is to the advantage of men to prevent women for gaining access to political, economic, and social resources. Preventing women from their potential will allow men to keep their status quo. Recently, the Taliban militia has prohibited girls from going to school and banned women from working outside the house. Women who leave the house without a male relative are punished, and the windows of their house are painted black to prevent anyone from catching a glimpse of the women. Conflict theorists say women who prefer careers in fields typically reserved for men have every right to make that choice, although they believe it is not functional for society.

Symbolic Interactionism 
   Symbolic Interactionists focus on how boys and girls learn to act the way they are expected to in a process called gender socialization. Gender characteristics are based on interaction with parents, teachers and peers. Gender concepts are taught through the media.
   Parents transfer their beliefs on how boys and girls should behave. The learning of gender begins and birth and is established by the time the child turns two and a half. Family and friends give gifts based on the sex of the child. Studies have shown baby girls are cuddled more, talk to more, and handled more gently than boys. The chores assigned to children also teach gender characteristics. Boys are usually assigned more masculine jobs, while girls are given more feminine chores.
   Studies show preschool teachers encourage different behaviors from boys and girls. Boys are more assertive in class, and are eight more times likely to call our answers, while girls sat with their hands raised. Teachers were more accepting of boys who called out answers, while girls who did were told to not shout on in class. In the book Failing at Fairness, it is said that America's schools shortchange females.
   Adolescents want to be liked, so acceptance or rejection by peers have the ability to greatly influence their self concepts. Cheerleaders or football players are given the greatest respect, while feminine boys or masculine girls are assigned lower status. Peer pressure from peers teachers gender characteristics.