1) Do you think it is important that parents discuss gender roles with their young children, or is gender a topic better left for later? How do parents consider gender norms when buying their children books, movies, and toys? How do you believe they should consider it? 2

Discussion Board

Family is the most crucial agent of socialization in a child’s life. I think it is essential to discuss gender roles with children from a younger age to help shape their future roles and relationships. Rafferty (2018) supports that parents should help their children learn gender role behavior to promote healthy gender development and protect them from criticism and bullying from society. Parents influence gender norms in many ways. For instance, when buying their children toys, books, or movies, they select gender-typical items that reflect the gender of the child. They buy feminine-type toys such as kitchen sets and dolls for girls, while they buy masculine-type toys like guns and trucks. They should continue considering these choices to expose children to gender perceptions to ensure optimal development.

A child beginning kindergarten may have easy or difficult socialization processing depending on their first socialization experiences, race, social class, and other factors. Children who are effectively socialized and raised to conform to norms, follow the rules, be obedient, and respect others will easily adapt to the school environment. However, those with inadequate ability to listen and interact with others will struggle being separated from parents and find difficulties adjusting to the school system. Children must learn to be independent, get along with strangers, and follow a new schedule to adjust accordingly to the new social setting.