Psychology Chapter 5: Social Roles

Questions and Answers

What are social roles?

Expected behaviors and attitudes that come with one's position in society.

What do social role transitions indicate?

Roles change over the lifespan.

What are gender roles?

They describe what men and women actually do in a given culture during a given historical era.

Define gender stereotypes.

Sets of shared, often inaccurate and inflexible beliefs about what all men and all women have in common. Signup and view all the answers

What is Learning-schema theory?

Children learn through gender-polarized lenses that make gender distinctions. Signup and view all the answers

What does social role theory suggest?

Children learn through observing division of labor within their culture. Signup and view all the answers

What are characteristics of transitions to adulthood?

Variability among young adults Signup and view all the answers

What are the five distinct characteristics from 18 to 25 years of age?

Possibilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the trend in leaving (and returning) home?

Increasing number, but proportion decreases with age. Signup and view all the answers

Marital rates are ____ and rates of cohabitation are .

decreasing, increasing. Signup and view all the answers

When do egalitarian roles typically begin?

At the beginning of marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What does the marital selection effect indicate?

Poor physical/mental health are less likely to marry. Signup and view all the answers

What is the marital resources effect?

More resources if married. Signup and view all the answers

What does the marital crisis effect refer to?

Married people are happier if not been through a divorce. Signup and view all the answers

Marital stability is the same as marital satisfaction.

False Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adults in the US will eventually become parents?

85% Signup and view all the answers

What does parental investment theory explain?

Gender role behaviors and interest differences are related to time and resources invested in each child. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes social roles in middle adulthood?

Better physical and psychological health; more life satisfaction than in younger years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the empty nest transition?

Transition is more positive than negative for most. Signup and view all the answers

What changes occur in gender roles at midlife?

Men and women become more traditionally gendered. Signup and view all the answers

When is the role of grandparent often added?

During the middle adult years. Signup and view all the answers

What commonly happens to people in late adulthood?

They often live alone and become care receivers. Signup and view all the answers

Define social timing.

It refers to roles occupied and length and order of occupation, influenced by culturally different expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the 'generational squeeze' used to describe?

Both parents and children. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Expected behaviors and attitudes associated with one's position in society.

Roles evolve throughout an individual's lifespan.

Gender Roles

Defined by cultural norms and behaviors associated with men and women during specific historical periods.

Gender Stereotypes

Shared beliefs about men and women that are often inaccurate and inflexible.

Learning-Schema Theory

Suggests children perceive the world through gender-differentiated perspectives.

Children learn about gender roles by observing the division of labor in their culture.

Characteristics of Transitions to Adulthood

Variability among young adults; absence of strict rules or expectations; extended transition allows time for course correction.

Distinct Characteristics from Ages 18 to 25

Identity exploration, instability, self-focus, feeling in-between, and recognition of possibilities.

Leaving and Returning Home

Rising number of young adults moving out and returning home; complexity increases with age.

Marital and Cohabitation Rates

Decreasing marital rates contrasted with rising rates of cohabitation.

Egalitarian Roles

Begin at the start of marriage; household tasks frequently divided by gender.

Marital Selection Effect

Individuals with poor physical or mental health less likely to enter marriage.

Marital Resources Effect

Marriage often leads to greater resources.

Marital Crisis Effect

Individuals who have not experienced divorce generally report higher happiness in marriage.

Marital Stability vs. Satisfaction

Marital stability does not equate to marital satisfaction.

Parenthood in the US

Approximately 85% of adults will eventually become parents.

Parental Investment Theory

Gender role behaviors influenced by the time and resources dedicated to children.

Ages 40-65 marked by improved physical and psychological health, increased life satisfaction, work role transitions, and altered parent-child relationships.

Departure of Children: The Empty Nest

Generally viewed as a positive transition, often leading to less responsibility and potential relationship rejuvenation.

Gender Roles at Midlife

Tend to conform more to traditional gender roles; may experience crossover or expansion of roles.

Role of Grandparent

Typically assumed during the middle adult years, following the post-parental period.

Late Adulthood Trends

Common experiences include living alone and becoming care receivers.

Refers to the roles occupied, along with their duration and sequence; influenced by cultural expectations (social clock).

Generational Squeeze

Refers to the pressures faced by both parents and their children.

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Description

Explore the concept of social roles and their transitions throughout life in this Psychology Chapter 5 quiz. Understand gender roles and stereotypes that shape behaviors and attitudes within different cultures and historical contexts.