Gender Differences: Biological vs. Biosocial

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Questions and Answers

What does Freud's theory suggest about men's conscience compared to women's?

Men and women develop conscience at different life stages.

Men typically have a stronger conscience. (correct)

Both men and women have equal conscience strength.

Women typically have a stronger conscience.

Which view did Freud's critics associate with his theory regarding women?

Women possess stronger social values than men.

Women are naturally superior to men.

Women function better in male roles.

Women are inferior to men. (correct)

How did Freud's theory impact perceptions of femininity?

It eliminated biases against women in psychology.

It reinforced the idea of women's subservience. (correct)

It encouraged women to pursue leadership roles.

It promoted women's self-esteem positively.

What psychological conflict does a male child experience according to Freud?

Identifying with the father and hating the mother. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of gender does psychoanalytic feminism emphasize?

Gender roles develop from psychosexual stages. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to boys who cannot fully identify with their fathers, according to Freud?

They exhibit feminine characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does Freudian theory have for societal gender roles?

Promotes traditional gender inequality. Signup and view all the answers

What condition was attributed to women who could not accept their expected societal roles?

They were categorized as needing psychotherapy. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the key criticisms of early behaviorists in regard to gender?

They tended to ignore sex differences and social factors. Signup and view all the answers

In Freud's theory, what leads to a significant conflict during personality development in children?

Perception of anatomical differences between boys and girls. Signup and view all the answers

How did Hollingworth contribute to the understanding of women's potential?

By emphasizing the need for women to have career choices. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of psychology did psychoanalytic theory primarily address regarding gender differences?

Psycho-sexual development across all genders. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of early psychological research on the representation of women?

Women were excluded or considered irrelevant as participants. Signup and view all the answers

Freud's theory suggested that a male child's development involves deeper conflict than a female's due to what reason?

Stronger feelings of rivalry with their same-sex parent. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of behaviorism as an approach in psychology?

Observing and analyzing observable behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common outcome of Freud's theory regarding gender perceptions?

It contributed to the understanding of sex and gender differences. Signup and view all the answers

What do maximalists believe regarding gender differences?

There are significant, fundamental differences between men and women. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the biosocial approach to gender roles?

The interaction between biological differences and social environment. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of early psychological theory, what limitation did structuralism have regarding gender studies?

It neglected the examination of individual differences, including gender differences. Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception about physical abilities does the content suggest regarding men and women?

Men are typically higher in physical strength than women. Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological theory is associated with the idea of predetermined gender roles based on biology?

Evolutionary Psychology Signup and view all the answers

How did early structuralists typically conduct their experiments?

Conducting experiments only with male participants. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Freud have on perceptions of gender differences?

He emphasized biological and psychological differences between the sexes. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main criticisms of the essentialist viewpoint in gender issues within psychology?

It views gender differences as fixed and unchangeable. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Background

Two main viewpoints exist regarding gender differences: biological (fixed and unalterable) and biosocial (society shapes roles).
Biological approach roots in evolutionary psychology, emphasizing essentialism.
Biosocial approach considers sociology, anthropology, and biology.
Key issues include nature vs. nurture and whether innate or environmental factors determine gender roles.
Men and women have biological differences, but adopted roles may not be predetermined by biology.

Minimalist and Maximalist Views

Minimalist view suggests few fundamental differences between men and women.
Maximalist view emphasizes significant, fundamental differences.
Some maximalists adhere to essentialist perspective.

Earlier Schools of Thought and Gender Differences

Structuralists focused on the structure of the mind, using introspection, but largely ignored individual differences (including those between men and women). Subjects were primarily male.
Functionalists focused on the functions of the mind, studying a wider range of subjects (including women, children, and animals), but their research sometimes reflected biases.

Impact of Studies on Intelligence and Adaptability

Functionalists explored and developed intelligence tests, and studied individual differences, including sex differences.
Findings often supported existing gender roles and sometimes ignored or downplayed social influence on sex differences.

Psychoanalytic Psychology

Freud's psychoanalytic psychology focused on psychosexual development and the influence of early childhood experiences on personality, with important impacts on gender.
Freud's theory suggests that differences in personality between men and women stem from the resolution of conflicts arising from early childhood experiences.
This is a highly contentious theory and criticized for potentially supporting gender inequality.
Psychoanalytic feminism argued that gender is not biologically determined but is shaped by psychosexual development.
Childhood experiences shape beliefs about masculinity and femininity.

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Description

Explore the different perspectives on gender differences in this quiz. Delve into the biological and biosocial viewpoints, minimalist and maximalist theories, and historical approaches to understanding gender roles. Assess your knowledge on how these theories shape our understanding of gender identity and roles.