Gender Socialization: Definition, Processes & Examples

Socialization is the process through which individuals in a society learn and internalize the social norms of the particular society. This can be an active or passive process and varies exponentially from society to society. The branch of socialization that relates to gender roles in society has come to be termed as gender socialization (Dickinson, Becerra & Lewis, 2010) . It can be defined as the process through which members of the different genders learn their place and what roles they ought to play within a society. The active process of gender socialization entails being practically tutored on gender roles and what it means to be a member of a particular gender. The process differs exponentially from very rigid learning to loose learning depending on societal norms. An example of active gender socialization can still be found in Vietnam (Dickinson et al , 2010) . On the exact opposite of the divide is passive learning where no formal gender roles are drawn out but they still exist within society. Members of the different genders learn through observing the conduct and character of their elders. 

Surprisingly, gender roles in Haiti and Vietnam share a high level of congruency. Men are the dominant member of society who enjoy a higher level of freedom and privilege than the women. Indeed, in Haiti, the typical husband has the right to decide whether or not his wife can work (Dickinson et al. , 2010) . However, gender socialization in the two nations differs exponentially. Vietnamese society provides for a formal gender training where both boys and girls are taught what it means to belong to their respective genders. However, in Haiti, no formal gender socialization exists. Instead, it is the obligation of every child to observe and learn gender roles, based on how the grownups carry on with their lives (Dickinson et al., 2010). This can be in their own homes as well as within the communities. The two different processes, however, still result in a similar community that engenders great gender inequality. 

Reference 

Dickinson, T. D., Becerra, T. A., & Lewis, S. B. (2010).  Democracy works: joining theory and action to foster global change. Boulder, CO: Paradigm.