Gender Interaction

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer examines the interaction of two female and one male college student within a group of other college students in a fast-food restaurant. The writer analyzes the interaction using concepts of gender socialization from Barrie Thorn's 'Gender Play' such as borderwork and crossing, and from this, draws wider conclusions about the nature of gender socialization and of general socialization in society. The writer concludes that the nature of the social interaction and roles observed and analyzed in the case studyr illustrate a central paradox in the nature of society and socialization: humans both shape and are shaped by the society they live in.

Outline:
Borderwork and Crossing
Two Different Worlds?
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"She sits by them, mostly converses with them, and walks in closer proximity to them. Her behavior crosses gender boundaries, but cannot be explained as crossing alone, because she does it in a way that is consistent with the concept of borderwork. She identifies her behaviors as masculine in nature, and by doing so highlights the differences between genders.
"Alex also displays elements both of crossing and of borderwork. His appearance is contradictory: he is dressed exclusively in black, and wears combat boots, but he also has long hair and wears a number of earrings. He carries a knife, and interacts more aggressively than Amy in much the same situation."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Thorne, Barrie. Gender Play. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1993.
• Lofland, Lyn. Sociology 2 Lecture: May 28, 1998

More papers on Gender Interaction:

• Analytical Essay # 136489 : "Language, Social Behavior, Gender & Interactive Goals"
• Article Review # 84060 : "Gender and Work"
• Term Paper # 119479 : "Gender and Workplace Communication"

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