The Documentary “Age 7 in America” by Phil Joanou Essay

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The documentary Age 7 in America presents many diverse children with different backgrounds and from households. Children display a variety of values, dreams, opinions, and behaviors; most of them do not exemplify their gender distinctively. Instead, they are interesting in hopes for the future, hobbies, and activities that do not represent traditional gender bias. The exceptions are Lucy, Alexis, and Kate, who live on the Upper East Side of New York and attend a prestigious school.

The girls’ first appearance immediately displays their gender identity, as they talk about wearing skirts and dresses as a uniform. Additionally, they mention that failing to fit into the school’s dress code should be punished (Joanou, 1991). The girls display obedience to the rules when they talk about not accepting an offer to try drugs or cigarettes but calling the police instead. Being well-dressed and well-mannered, Lucy, Alexis, and Kate exemplify the behavior of conventional femininity that can be traditionally considered healthy for society.

The effects of being raised with attention to gender bias are evident in their values and dreams. Their interests have been developed in accordance with conventional feminine goals. They discuss marriage and children for a long time between themselves and are not shy to talk about having boyfriends (Joanou, 1991). Having been conditioned to such behavior, their dreams are influenced by gender roles. After being asked what something they would wish for that would come true, one of the girls talks about being happily married and having children of her own (Joanou, 1991). The other one wishes for more of a childish yet still gender-biased thing, to be a princess (Joanou, 1991). As such, their behavior and future hopes perfectly represent the influence gender roles have had on their development and socialization.

Reference

Joanou, P. (1991). Age 7 in America [Film]. Granada Television.

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IvyPanda. "The Documentary "Age 7 in America" by Phil Joanou." April 21, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-documentary-age-7-in-america-by-phil-joanou/.

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