Psychology Gender Theories Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does radical feminism primarily focus on?

Promoting traditional female characteristics

Connections between different social privileges

Male dominance and female oppression (correct)

Ending gender discrimination based on sex

Which term describes the insider’s perspective on a culture?

Statistical significance

Etic perspectives

Emic perspectives (correct)

Case study strengths

What does the term 'gender fluid' refer to?

Individuals who strictly identify as male or female

Individuals who do not adhere to a fixed gender identity and may shift between identities (correct)

Individuals who identify with a gender other than their assigned sex at birth

Individuals who have undergone medical procedures to transition to another gender

What does location feminism emphasize?

The interconnectedness of various privileges Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective focuses on observable behavior without considering internal motivations?

Behaviorism Signup and view all the answers

What is the kernel of truth theory regarding stereotypes?

Stereotypes are based on exaggerated truths Signup and view all the answers

What best describes individuals who are cisgender?

Individuals whose assigned sex at birth aligns with their gender identity Signup and view all the answers

In social role theory, what is attributed to differences between men and women?

Division of labor and social roles Signup and view all the answers

Which group believes that differences between men and women are primarily rooted in biology?

Essentialists Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes cross-sex typed individuals?

Their gender does not match their sex Signup and view all the answers

At what age does gender consistency typically develop in children?

6 to 7 years Signup and view all the answers

How does subjectivity affect scientific research?

It distorts the collection and interpretation of data Signup and view all the answers

What is a strength of using case studies in research?

They gather extensive information from one individual Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concept of Social Learning Theory?

People learn through observation of others Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to individuals who have not yet medically transitioned but live as their chosen gender?

Transexual Signup and view all the answers

How do video games often portray female characters?

Hyperformine and sexualized Signup and view all the answers

What concept explains the idea that children learn gendered behavior through observation rather than direct experience?

Social learning theory Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by an extra X sex chromosome in males?

Klinefelter syndrome Signup and view all the answers

During which of Freud’s psychosexual stages do children primarily focus on same-gender friendships?

Latency stage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a basic emotion that is universally recognized?

Happiness Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily associated with aggressive and impulsive behaviors?

Testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the understanding that gender is a permanent attribute tied to biological characteristics?

Gender constancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary sex chromosome configuration for a female?

XX Signup and view all the answers

Which syndrome results in females having ambiguous genitalia at birth due to increased androgens?

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia Signup and view all the answers

What gender-related term refers to the jealousy that men may feel towards women’s reproductive abilities?

Womb envy Signup and view all the answers

Which parenting style is characterized by parents who successfully navigate their own identities while raising a gender non-conforming child?

Transformer family Signup and view all the answers

What term describes individuals with sexual anatomy that is ambiguous or does not match internal organs?

Intersexed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about brain structure differences between sexes?

Women have thicker cortical areas with stronger connections. Signup and view all the answers

In Freud's concept of the phallic stage, what psychological processes do children experience?

Resolution of attraction to the opposite-sex parent Signup and view all the answers

What critique is often directed at Freud's theories regarding women?

He was androcentric and based findings on male perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

The presence of both Mullerian and Wolffian ducts in an embryo indicates what?

The direction of sex differentiation is initiated. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary characteristics of Turner syndrome?

Complete absence of the second sex chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the change from 'gender identity disorder' to 'gender dysphoria'?

To reflect a diagnosis not restricted by age. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept refers to the stress an individual feels when adhering to their gender's societal roles?

Gender role stress Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is proactive aggression typically seen?

A competition where one child wins over others. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of aggression is characterized as a defensive response to provocation?

Reactive aggression Signup and view all the answers

What are the components of gender identity?

Typicality, contentedness, conformity, and intergroup bias. Signup and view all the answers

Which gender is reportedly more at risk of intimate partner violence (IPV)?

Women Signup and view all the answers

What type of aggression is more common among girls during childhood?

Relational aggression Signup and view all the answers

What do submissive emotions primarily include?

Sadness and anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Schools of Thought

Functionalism: Focuses on individual differences and functions of the mind, interested in evolutionary explanations of behavior
Behaviorism: Focuses on observable behavior without interest in sex differences
Psychoanalysis: Examines sex and gender differences within personality development
Social Learning Theory: Suggests people learn through observation
Cognitive Development Theory: Emphasizes the development of cognition, crucial for understanding gender

Sex vs. Gender

Sex is biological and physiological characteristics defining a person as male or female
Gender is a social construction and categorization of how one defines themselves as male or female

Interpretations of Gender Differences

Minimalists: Believe men and women are fundamentally the same
Maximalists: Acknowledge fundamental differences but debate whether they are innate or learned
Essentialists: Attribute differences to biological explanations

Gender Identities

Cisgender: Gender identity aligns with sex assigned at birth
Transgender: Gender identity doesn't align with sex assigned at birth
Intersex: Individuals with ambiguous genitalia at birth, not considered male or female
Transexual: Transgender individuals who haven't transitioned medically but appear as their chosen sex
Gender fluid: Not adhering to or identifying as male or female
Gender normative: Adhering to societal standards of masculinity/femininity
Gender consistency: Understanding gender remains constant regardless of external factors (develops between ages 6 and 7)

Video Games and Gender Stereotypes

Video games exaggerate gender stereotypes, portraying female characters as hyperfeminine and sexualized, and males as powerful, aggressive, and athletic
This can lead to cognitive biases against women and behavioral consequences in men towards women

Types of Feminism

Liberal feminism: Seeks to end gender discrimination based on sex
Radical feminism: Believes history is characterized by male dominance and female oppression
Cultural feminism: Celebrates traditional characteristics associated with women
Locational feminism: Recognizes the interconnectedness of privileges based on race, ethnicity, gender, and social status

Emic and Etic Perspectives

Emic: Understanding a culture from an insider's perspective
Etic: Understanding a culture from an analytical distance approach

Case Studies

Provide extensive information about one individual but have limitations due to their focus on a single subject

Statistical Significance

The probability of rejecting the null hypothesis, determining whether findings are due to the independent variable or not

File Drawer Dilemma

Studies with non-significant findings are less likely to be published, potentially skewing research conclusions

Correlation Between Variables

Indicates the relationship between two variables, with a correlation of 1 signifying a strong positive relationship

Scientists' Subjectivity

Personal biases can influence how researchers collect and analyze data, potentially impacting study results

Stereotypes

Overgeneralized and oversimplified beliefs about people within a recognized category
Stereotypes associated with women often include emotional, submissive, subjective, collaborative, gentle, pious, tactful, and reserved traits

Sex Stereotypes and Exaggeration

Stereotypes are based on real differences between men and women but are exaggerated and oversimplified
The "kernel of truth" theory suggests these stereotypes are based on reality but exaggerated

Gender Typing

Cross-sex typed: Individual's gender doesn't match their sex
Undifferentiated: Individuals who don't conform to gendered expectations (similar to androgynous)
Sex-typed: Individual's gender matches their sex

Division of Labor Theory

Social role theory: Differences between men and women contribute to the division of labor and social roles

Measures of Masculinity/Femininity

Masculine-feminine construct: Sex differences and item responses are influenced by factors like education, age, and social class
Bem-sex role inventory: Assesses individuals' levels of masculinity and femininity

Gender Role Conflict

Stress arises when individuals experience pressure to conform to gender role expectations that conflict with their personal identities, leading to negative consequences

Purpose of Hormones

Control and regulate physiological responses such as growth

Aggressive Behavior and Testosterone

Research suggests testosterone is associated with aggressive and impulsive tendencies

Female vs Male Gonads

Ovaries (female) and testes (male) are reproductive organs producing steroid hormones necessary for development and function

Chromosomal Disorders

Klinefelter syndrome: Extra X chromosome in males (more body hair, sex drive, increased risk of social difficulties)
Triple X syndrome: Three X chromosomes in females (usually no symptoms, but taller stature)
Turner syndrome: Partial or complete absence of the second sex chromosome (rare, characterized by short stature)
47, XYY: Extra Y chromosome in males (most are taller)

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)

Individuals are genetically male but unable to respond to male sex hormones, leading to female external characteristics and internal male genitalia
AIS is considered intersex

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Disordered adrenal cortex resulting in increased androgen production, causing ambiguous genitalia in females

Sex Determination

Two X chromosomes: Female development
X and Y chromosome: Male development
Embryos possess both Mullerian and Wolffian ducts until hormone production begins

Sex Differences in the Brain

Males tend to have larger brains, but considering body size, this difference is less significant
Women have thicker cortical areas and greater cortical activity connections
The corpus callosum, connecting the two hemispheres, is larger in women

Freud's Psychosexual Stages

Oral (birth-18 months): Gratification through eating, biting, and speech
Anal (18-3 years): Pleasure from retaining and releasing bowel movements, demonstrating independence
Phallic (3-6 years): Attraction to the opposite-sex parent, resolved by identification with the same-sex parent
Latency (6 years-adolescence): Focus on same-gender friendships
Genital (adolescence-adulthood): Puberty, sexual desires, and genitalia-seeking gratification

Critiques of Freud

Androcentric: Based on a male model, potentially minimizing female experiences
Acknowledges relying on what we know about boys to understand girls, potentially perpetuating bias

Suggests children can learn gendered behavior through observation without needing direct reinforcement or punishment

Shaping Gendered Behavior

Begins before birth with parents buying gender-appropriate items
Parents may have different expectations for boys and girls

Womb Envy

Freud's concept of men's envy of women's ability to reproduce, driving them to seek success

Gender Constancy

Understanding gender is a permanent attribute tied to biological characteristics

Basic Emotions

Anger, fear, disgust, surprise, happiness, sadness

Transformer Family

Parents who have worked through their own gender identities and are able to support a gender non-conforming child

Gender Dysphoria

Distress associated with misalignment between assigned sex and gender identity
The term "gender dysphoria" replaced "gender identity disorder" to de-emphasize the concept of disorder

Gender Intensification

Increased pressure to conform to traditional gender role expectations during adolescence

Treatment of Non-Conforming Individuals

Bullying and societal pressure can negatively impact non-conforming individuals

Gender Role Stress

Amount of stress an individual experiences when adhering to gender role expectations

Types of Aggression

Physical aggression: More common in boys (punching, play fighting)
Relational aggression: More common in girls (covert behaviors, social exclusion, setting social rules)

Emergence of Sex Differences in Aggression

First appears in early childhood, like preschool

Proactive Aggression

Goal-directed aggression, lacking emotional arousal

Reactive Aggression

Defensive response to provocation

Gender Role Ideologies

Beliefs about appropriate behaviors for men and women, potentially influencing acceptance of violence

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

Physical or psychological mistreatment to gain control in an intimate relationship
Gender roles contribute to higher risk for women compared to men

Traditional Gender Ideologies and IPV

Those with traditional gender ideologies may be more accepting of IPV

Components of Gender Identity

Typicality: Feeling like a typical member of one's gender category
Contentedness: Feeling comfortable with one's biological sex and gender category
Conformity: Experiencing pressure to adhere to gender norms
Intergroup bias: Favoring one's own gender group

Types of Emotions

Submissive emotions: Sadness and anxiety, seeking comfort
Disharmonious emotions: Anger and pleasure derived from superiority over others

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Description

Explore the various schools of thought regarding sex and gender differences in psychology. This quiz covers functionalism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, social learning theory, and cognitive development theory. Understand the distinctions between sex as a biological concept and gender as a social construct.