Social Identity Theory in Gender

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Social Identity Theory in Gender

An interview conducted by Advert Enticement on children demonstrated that by the age of four, children have not only developed their social identity but have also associated characteristic to a specific gender that is considered norm. When asked what their gender identity was, there were confident with their responses, socially categorizing themselves into out-groups and in-groups to whichever they belong to, by drawing a distinctive line to accentuate the difference among the females and males, thereby assuring their social identity. A Barbie and Ken doll were used as exemplars of typical gender representatives and was asked what roles were suited for which gender. Men were perceived "stronger" and "went to work" compared with women's penchant for "cleaning the house" and "taking care of the baby." There wasn't a defying line of rivalry but rather as a distinctive gender role and identity, where males and females have very individual perceptions of what each gender should possess as an intergroup quality. Children, despite their young age, are familiar with traits that tell differences between men or women and are familiar with what they believe, are appropriate behaviors for female and males to act in society whether from adult-model influences or the media. Men "need" to have muscular appeals and masculine qualities, whatever that may entail to fulfill the role as a male. Women are recognized through their small frame, feminine interests, and sensitive figures. It is that stereotypical thinking that shapes the figurines of Ken and Barbie, and the minds of young boys and girls of their social identity and intergroup differentiation by overemphasizing the differences between males and females.

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Each gender in-group compares their opposing out-group by seeking positive distinctiveness that favors a positive representative to magnify their thoughts of self-superiority and boost or maintain their self-esteem from having a good reputation; generally speaking, to have a respectable reflection upon themselves. Through the perception of ethnocentrism, the concept of attributing favorable qualities to your identity and attributing negative characteristics to internal aspects for out-group members, one would favor attributions that would impact them in a positive way and detest those that don't. In-group bias or favoritism is seeking qualities to enhance a better, more positive perception of themself. One of the boys in the ...

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