A good example of socialization is the learning of gender roles. Anthropologist Margaret Mead reasoned that if gender reflects biological facts of sex, that people everywhere in the world would define the same traits as masculine or feminine. However, she argued, that if gender is cultural, such conceptions should vary. Mead researched three societies in New Guinea and concluded that "culture is the key to how sexes differ." [Macionis et al. p233]

In the first society, Arapesh, Mead reported that the men and women had similar behaviour and attitudes. They possessed similar traits that our culture would define as feminine, such as being cooperative and sensitive to others. Similarly, Mead found the men and women of Mundugumor to posses similar traits as well, although contrary to those of

Similarly, in the female peer group, the basis for family life is promoted through the activities they participate in, such as skills of communication and cooperation. While male peer groups activities promote masculine traits such as aggression and control and competitiveness. Although we are experiencing change, the educational institutions traditionally encouraged gender specific patterns. Pushing males towards natural sciences and females towards home studies and clerical work. The media has a large role in the learning of gender distinction. It was not until recently that television has portrayed women in prominent roles. And even today commercials for home products, such as dish soap and cleaners portray women doing the housework, whereas commercials for beer, cars and financial areas are predominantly male.

Socialization is a lifelong process beginning at birth, as is the learning of gender roles. "Just as gender affects how we think of ourselves, so it teaches us to act in normative ways." [Macionis et al. p236] The learning of gender roles begins in the family and is carried out in peer groups and educational institutions as well as in the media.

Sociologist Jessie Bernard stated that very soon after birth, family membe

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