In a number of ways, social services reinforce social norms. An illustration is the emphasis
in social policy on the traditional role of women - or, to be more precise, not so much the
'traditional' role as an idealised norm. The education system has been accused of imposing
stereotypes of gender roles - both formally, by channelling girls into particular subjects and
areas of study, and informally, through the kinds of social contact fostered in schools, the
stress on certain values - like discipline and obedience - and preparation for 'family life',
which may be implicit as well as explicit in the school curriculum.