Gender differences in the socialization patterns of children within the family: a case study of Mashau Bodwe Village, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand gender differences in the socialization patterns of children within the family. Parents and other family members play a major role in socializing children, in other words they serve as socialization agents. They pass along the knowledge and values of society, encourage culturally approved ways of behaving, and insist that children assume increasing responsibility for their own welfare. In a society life with gender stereotypes and biases, children regularly learn to adopt gender roles which are not always fair to both sexes. As children move through childhood and adolescence, they are exposed to many factors which influence their attitudes and behaviours regarding gender roles. This attitudes and behaviours are generally learned first in the family and then reinforced by a child's peers, school experience and the media. This study was conducted in Mashau Bodwe village, situated in Makhado Municipality, about 90 kilometres from Polokwane. Almost 25 families were interviewed for the study. A qualitative research method was utilized to obtain the views of the respondents on different strategies used to inculcate gender roles in the family