Assistant Daycare Teacher: A Sociological Analysis

The ideology that gender is socially constructed is a view that has been present in a number of philosophical, sociological and psychological theories. This view shares the understanding that gender is a result of enculturation through a prescribed ideal, and that society deems what is considered socially appropriate behaviour. Carol Vance, a feminist scholar, argues that gender and sexuality are not to be understood as “natural”, but rather as a socially constructed truth (Grewal, Kaplan 29). This reflects that society is shaped globally through social order. Each culture and society shares a social order that is unique to a particular set of customs, values and practices. These customs are engrained within society as individuals share a
As an Assistant Daycare Teacher to children aged 15 months to 10 years, there are many situations I see daily that illustrate the key role of socialization in childhood development. For example, children of various age groups and genders approach the idea of “dress up” differently. When entering a preschooler room, it is not uncommon to see boys playing with stereotypical female centered toys, such as princess dresses and kitchen utensils. In contrast, girls can be seen playing with stereotypical male centered toys, such as cars, trains and dinosaurs. However, when entering a school-age classroom with older children, it is evident that they have undergone the enculturation process as they only participate in the “normal” activities that are in accordance with their gender. As they progressed through the school system, they were socialized through institutions such as media, family and religion that determined their place in society. This provides an outline on how they as individuals are expected to identify themselves, either in their behaviour, language, demeanor or
This perspective offers an explanation for gender differences and gender inequality present in today’s society attributed to the inborn reproductive anatomies, genes and hormones. The essentialist outlook views science to understand and explain the causes behind human behaviour. It focuses on the belief that natural science is objective, and holds truth through evidence and observation. In my opinion, these theories serve as building blocks in explaining human behaviour, as they do not capture the importance of socialization, interaction and