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Read the page "Gender Socialization" and Chapters 1 and 2 before posting. Posts must be your own words. Questions: Aside from family, which one of the main agents of socialization has had the biggest influence on you when it comes to gender? In your answer, discuss three gender-related things the agent taught you. To post your answer click add a new discussion topic. Name the socialization agent in the subject line, place your answer in the text box, and post your message.

Ask by Harris Riley. in the United States
Jan 24,2025

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**Media as a Socialization Agent** Aside from family, the media has been the most influential agent in shaping my understanding of gender. Through various forms of media, I've learned: 1. **Gender Roles:** Media often portrays men as strong and decisive, while women are shown as nurturing and supportive. 2. **Body Image:** Television and advertisements emphasize specific body types and beauty standards for both genders, influencing my perception of physical appearance. 3. **Career Expectations:** Media frequently associates certain careers with specific genders, affecting my views on suitable career paths. Overall, the media has significantly influenced my understanding of gender roles and expectations.

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**Media as a Socialization Agent** Aside from family, the media has been the most influential agent of socialization for me concerning gender. Through various forms of media, I have learned several important gender-related concepts: 1. **Gender Roles and Expectations:** Media often portrays men and women in specific roles, such as men being strong and decisive while women are nurturing and supportive. This portrayal has shaped my understanding of what behaviors and characteristics are considered appropriate for each gender. 2. **Body Image and Appearance Standards:** Television shows, movies, and advertisements frequently emphasize certain body types and beauty standards for both men and women. This has influenced my perception of physical appearance and the importance placed on looking a certain way to fit societal expectations. 3. **Career and Ambition:** Media representations often associate particular careers with a specific gender, such as men in leadership roles or women in caregiving positions. These portrayals have impacted my views on suitable career paths and the roles I see myself pursuing in the future. The media's pervasive presence in everyday life has significantly shaped my understanding and perception of gender roles, influencing various aspects of my personal and professional development.

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One major agent of socialization that influenced my understanding of gender is the media. Through movies, television shows, and advertising, I learned three crucial lessons about gender roles. First, I noticed how men were often portrayed as assertive and dominant, while women were depicted as nurturing and submissive. This shaped my early perceptions of what qualities were valued in each gender. Second, media representation often reinforced stereotypes, suggesting that certain careers or hobbies were "for men" or "for women." Lastly, the changing narratives within the media have shown me that gender is not binary; it encouraged me to embrace a more fluid interpretation of gender identities. In engaging with the media, I’ve come to understand its powerful role in shaping societal norms and values. The portrayal and representation of gender in various forms of media can either challenge outdated stereotypes or reinforce harmful perceptions. By critically analyzing these representations, we can support more diverse and inclusive understandings of gender, paving the way for progress in how we perceive ourselves and one another.

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