To What Extent Does Gender Socialization Contribute to the Development of Homophobia Among Young Adults (aged 18-30) in Community W?

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The socializing of young adults also depends on the society and its culture. Jamaica is known as being homophobic. Through the influence of the church and dancehall music, young adults are socialized in a way that males and females have specific roles in society. At a young age females and males were taught how to play their roles in society where females would get inside chores and the males getting the harder chores outside. These children would watch their parents and mirror their actions. With the influence of dancehall music which has its greatest impacts on the youths helps in the development of homophobia in young adults. It is a part of the Jamaican society to be unacceptable of homosexuals and it is greatly emphasized by the church and in dancehall music. It is also the law of Jamaica which is the buggery law.

Gender socialization is the process by which men and women learn the expectations associated with their sex, Anderson, M.L and Taylor, H.F. (2009) .Gender socialization affects all aspects of daily life and society, including one’s self-concept, social and political attitudes, and perceptions and relationships about other people. Family, peers, schooling, religious training, mass media, and popular culture are just a few of the agents through which gender socialization happens. It is reinforced whenever gender-linked behaviors receive approval or disapproval from these influences. One result of gender socialization is the formation of gender identity, which is one’s definition of oneself as a man or woman. Gender identity shapes how we think about others and ourselves and also influences our behaviors. Functionalist theorists argue that men fill instrumental roles in society while women fill expressive roles, which works to the benefit of society. Further, it is our socialization into prescribed roles that is the driving force behind gender inequality. Symbolic interactionists look at gender from the micro perspective and examine gender stratification on a day-to-day level. These theorists also focus on how gender roles are internalized by males and females. Conflict theorists view women as disadvantaged because of power inequalities between women and men that are built into the social structure. Feminist theory emerged out of the women’s movement and aims to understand the position of women in society for the sole purpose of improving their position in society. Radical feminist emphasizes the patriarchal roots of inequality between men and women, or, more specially, social dominance of women by men. Radical feminism views patriarchy as dividing rights, privileges and power primarily by gender, and as a result oppressing women privileging men.

Methodology

The research design is significant as it ensures that whatever findings are produced enables the researcher to answer the questions raised by the issue being investigated; and the issue in this case is “To what extent does gender socialization contribute to the development of homophobia among young adults (aged 18-30) in Community W?”

The researcher used a quantitative method of research in order to have the information carried out on a widespread basis and in order to have the collection of data period being carried out, so that the researcher will get an answer to the questions asked about this current status. The researcher used a qualitative approach to analyze the research. Also, the researcher plans on establishing a relationship or lack between the two variables present and also to use whatever relationship there to make predictions.

The researcher used structured questionnaires as a method of data collection to ensure specific data collection. The researcher chose questionnaires as a method of data collection due to its many advantages. These are: It is easy to understand, it can be easily issued and collected, it can be easily interpreted and analyzed.

The research design was influenced by factors such as the value of time and the consent of the respondents. A sum of twenty-four (24) structured questionnaires were issued randomly in the square of Community W members on December 15, 2014 and collected December 20, 2014. The questionnaire consists of fourteen (14) closed ended questions. Of the twenty-four copies issued, twelve questionnaires were issued to males and the other twelve to females. Information was gathered and processed.

Cover Letter

Dear Sir/Madam;

I am a sixth form student of the Manning’s School. I would like to ask you some questions regarding to the extent to which gender socialization contribute to the development of homophobia among young adults (aged 18-30). This information is relevant in completing an Internal Assessment for Sociology for CAPE Unit (1) that I am presently pursuing. You are advised to answer all questions honestly and truthfully since you are anonymous. No one will get the idea of knowing who answered in a particular way. Please answer by ticking in the appropriate box or by writing on the lines provided. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Sara Wiggan,

Researcher.

Questionnaire

- Sex?

Male ( ) Female ( )

- Age?

18- 20 ( ) 21-23 ( ) 24-26 ( ) 27-30 ( )

- Educational attainment?

Primary ( ) High School Leaving Certificate ( ) Undergraduate ( ) Post Graduate ( )

- Do you believe that young adults are easily influenced?

Yes ( ) No ( )

- Who do you think has the strongest influence on young adults?

Peers ( ) Family ( ) Society ( ) Religion ( )

- Do you think your family upbringing instilled within you a tolerance for homophobic behaviour?

Yes ( ) No ( )

To a very limited extent ( ) I was taught that the behaviour was wrong ( )

- Do you think that your Educational Institutions that you attended instilled within you a tolerance for homophobic behaviour?

Yes ( ) No ( )

To a very limited extent ( ) I was taught that the behaviour was wrong