4. Next, turn to the question of gender roles in your own culture. By “your own culture” I mean that you could discuss “mainstream” American culture, or, if you are a member of an Ethnic or religious subculture, you could discuss gender in relation to that culture. What kinds of norms and values regarding gender and family have you learned from your culture? 5. What social institutions have been most important in your “gender socialization” (i.e. family, the media, Church)? Have these institutions at times presented contradictory messages about gender?

Gender and culture are closely interwined, as culture influenced how people view gender roles, expectations, and identities. Culture shapes how individuals understand and express gender, and gender influences how culture is interpreted, understood and expressed. For example, in some cultures, there may be a greater emphasis on men being the primary breadwinners, while in others culture, gender roles may be more equal. Additionally, cultural norms may affect the way people view and interact with those of different genders, such as whether different genders are expected to dress differently.