How to answer an Outline SAQ (DP IB Psychology)

Outline enculturation with reference to one relevant study.  [9 marks]

Commentary

Enculturation involves the learning of cultural norms and values from a person’s own culture (usually the culture into which they have been born).

Enculturation primarily happens vertically via a person’s family relationships and dynamics. The transmission of beliefs and attitudes surrounding gender roles and identity is likely family-driven.

Basu et al. (2017) investigated the extent to which culture may inform gender identity via the transmission of deeply held values from parents to children. The study used narrative interviews of Indian or Chinese parents and their teenage children from impoverished areas of major cities, asking them about their attitudes towards how boys and girls should behave and prepare for adulthood.

The findings of these interviews comprised some traditionally ingrained ideas as to how the couples’ children should behave e.g., girls should be quiet, acquiescent and should focus on their role as a future wife and mother. Girls should behave with restraint and modesty. Boys, generally, were given more freedom, with emphasis placed on their academic or professional success, particularly from the Chinese parents. Relationships between the sexes were frowned upon and there was an agreement among parents that disobedience or rule-transgression should be met with punishment, often of a harsh nature e.g., beatings, shaming.

The researchers concluded that culturally ingrained ideas as to gendered behaviour have a definite and probably negative effect on the children of parents who adhere to these rigid ideas. In this way, it can be seen that enculturation has a long-lasting effect on behaviour (gender roles/identity) which may endure for generations as such ideas are transmitted via social learning through the family dynamic.

A brief overview of enculturation. Link to the study that will be used.

Relevant research is discussed, and the focus is on how enculturation informs parental treatment per gender.

The findings are outlined with some examples to link to enculturation and gender roles.

Conclusion and link back to the question and topic of enculturation

Word Count: 266 words

[9 marks]