Gender Development (Module 49)

Role

A set of expectations about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave.

Gender Roles

A set of expected behaviors for males or for females.

Transgender

A term describing people whose gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth sex.

Which gender prefers working with people?

Females

What did Carol Gilligan find about gender and social connectedness?

Females are more interdependent than males and favor less competition and close social relationships.

Gender Identity

Our sense of being male or female.

Explain the power differences people perceive between genders?

Perceiving men as more dominant, independent, forceful and directive while perceiving women as democratic, submissive, nurturing and socially connected.

Which gender tends to be more aggressive?

Males tend to be more physically aggressive.

What is the expected gender role of men vs women in the US?

Men were typically expected to initiate dates, drive cars and pick up the check. Women were typically expected to decorate the home, buy and care for children's clothes and select the wedding gifts.

Are gender roles the same in other countries?

No; gender roles differ from location and time period.

What is the difference between sex and gender?

Sex is the biological status defined by our genes and anatomy and gender is socially constructed roles and characteristics influenced by culture.

Gender Typing

The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role.

Gender

The socially constructed roles and characteristics by which a culture defines male and female.

Social Learning Theory

The theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished.

What is the general conclusion about which is more influential on development, nature or nurture?

They work together, but a stimulating and enriching environment creates and maintains neural networks and allows for social development.