Socialization

Socialization is the process through which an individual learns the prescribed values and behaviors of a certain culture.  When talking about gender and sexuality the deliberate nature of socialization becomes increasingly apparent.  The objects we have chosen embody this attempt to deliberately control the process of socialization and often define both gender and sexuality as strictly masculine or feminine.  These objects perpetuate gender binaries through attempting to control ones physical appearance as well as their ability to shape individual action.  Throughout this section, all of the objects featured are (in some way) related to childhood because of children's heightened susceptibility to the implements of socialization.  Even if our focus is centered on childhood, socialization is an ongoing process and certain aspects relating to this topic can be seen in many of the works featured throughout this exhibition.