Lady Sarah Ashley Sociology

Unlike ‘sex’, which typically refers to the biological and physiological differences, gender is a sociological concept that describes the social and cultural constructions that is associated with one’s sex (Giddens & Sutton, 2013, p. 623-667). The constructed (or invented) characteristics that defines gender is an ongoing process that varies between societies and culture and it can change over time. For example, features that are overly masculine in one culture can be seen as feminine in another; however, the relation between the two should not be seen as static. Gender socialization is thought to be a major explanation for gender differences, where children adhere to traditional gender roles from different agencies of socialization. Gender

(0:05:15-0:12:19). When reaching Australia, however, the setting shifts drastically with numerous stereotypical traits entering the film. The ‘Drover’(Hugh Jackman) is, like most men during the scene, portrayed as uncivilized, tough and violent. They also drink and show sexist behavior. When Sarah’s suitcases are destroyed in a brawl, she becomes passive, while the men are cheering. Furthermore, the clothes Sarah is wearing are decorative and clean, which is a stereotypic belief of women’s attention to appearance as opposed to the men’s functional clothing, though this could be explained by the cultural differences exposed in the film. Over the course of the film, Sarah changes from a challenge-seeking aristocrat into a mother figure to Nullah. The generalization that women are better caretakers of children than men is presented by Drover after Nullah’s mother has died: “He needs motherin’ … and you're a woman, so, go on, get down there.“ Sarah Ashley states she is not good with children but follows Drover’s judgement, maintaining the gender order

I have tried to pick examples of each work that mainly focuses on the main character. In three out of the four works of fiction, the main character(s) are male. Only in Australia, the lead protagonist is a woman. We do however find different gender generalisations and characteristics between them. Harry (Rowling), unlike both Marcus (Hornby) and Christopher (Haddon) shows stronger traditional masculine traits as he is both a leader as well as competitive. Moreover, once he begins at Hogwarts, he becomes both popular and protective of his