Social identity is defined as the behavioral clusters or groups of humans beings derived from the way they choose to accept, embrace and interpret a set of beliefs, values and norms and formulate these as a way of life . For example when taking a reference of boys and girls; a societal identity cluster of children based on gender, it is heavily notable that the interests of these two groups are deeply varied. The different societal derived and almost dictated interests and needs of boys and girls are easily identifiable. It is interestingly strange how the society has unconsciously outlaid the various gender needs and interests that boys and girls should identify with. These can easily be separated on the basis of things such as interests in color, toy types, movie characters and even story books.
For example when it comes to toys, boys and girls are drawn to distinctly different sets of toys. Boys tend to be interested in toys that are associated with masculinity. Gils on the other hand are attracted to toys that exude a sense of femininity. The societal derivation of masculinity and femininity can be drawn all the way to the levels of color choice. For example masculinity is attached to colors such as red, black and yellow while femininity is associated with colors such as pink and purple. Therefore when it comes to toys boy will easily identify with red, black and yellow toys while girls will easily go for pink and purple toys. Boys are also drawn to toys that exhibit action figures for example ninja turtles and transformers types of toys. On the contrary girls will be interested in toys that represent a soft touch such as Barbie dolls and teddy bears.
Boys preferred kind of books are always endowed with themes such as mystery, important roles, leadership, action and handsome figures. Figuring out the themes in girls preferred books; you are like to encounter things such as cooking, politeness, fashion, make-up and optimism. Books that boys delight in may have characters such as star wars, Harry potter, and machines. Girls may be attracted to books that encompass characters and features such as princesses, ponies, phonies and love. The characters in boys books are always portrayed as very active, an element associated with boys and men. For example in Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books, boys are given the main protagonists roles.
While the social identity of boys and girls may drive them to different interests it does not entirely mean that there are no similar things they both can be interests in. For example both boys and girls may be attracted to colors such as blue and orange. They both find interest in video games even if the games they may play are different. Girls and boys may equally find fun in horse riding where girls may find inspirations in cow girls while boys become inspired by cow boys. Both boys and girls do also find fun in reading as a platform for recreation and also as an educational tool.
Works Cited
Castano, Emanuele, Leidner Bernhard and Slawuta Patrycja. "Social identification processes, group dynamics and the behaviour of combatants." International Review of the Red Cross 90.870 (2008): 259-271.
