Understanding the sexes exam 2

What is gender identity?

A person’s sense of being male, female, or another gender

What does Social Learning theory say about gender identity?

Children learn gender roles through role models and reinforcement

What does Cognitive Developmental theory emphasize?

Brain maturity allows children to categorize male vs female

What is Gender Schema Theory

Children use gender as a framework to organize information

What is developmental intergroup theory?

Children favor their own gender group and use gender to categorize others

What did experts believe (1950s-1980s) about gender roles?

They were mainly learned through social learning

What did research in the 1990s emphasize?

Biological influences on gender differences

What influences gender identity from prenatal to age 1

Hormones and genetics

What develops between ages 1-3?

Basic gender categories and identity awareness

What is gender constancy ( ages 4-7)?

Understanding the gender is stable over time.

Who are primary reinforcers in early childhood?

Family and peers

Who are secondary reinforcers?

School, media, daycare, church

How do parents influence gender roles?

Through treatment, expectations, toys, and chores

What role do mothers often play?

Caretakers

What role do fathers often play?

Enforcers of gender roles

How do siblings influence gender development?

Teach conflict skills, reinforce stereotypes, affect relationships

What is “paternal uncertainty”?

Fathers may prefer children who resemble them

How do peers influence boys?

Pressure to avoid feminine behaviors; focus on independence and sports

How do peers influence girls?

More flexibility; focus on relationships and cooperation

What is a major modern influence on gender roles

Social media

Who tends to have stronger verbal abilities?

Females (slightly)

Who tends to excel in advanced math/spatial skills

Males

What influences these differences?

Biology, brain structure, and hormones

What challenges do girls face in school?

Confidence issues, fear of being “too smart’, stereotypes

What challenges do boys face in school?

Lower academic engagement, reading struggles, dropout risk

How does media positively affect gender identity?

Provides role models and self-expression

What are negative media effects?

Stereotypes, body image issues, misinformation.

What defines a friendship?

Trust, respect, support, and shared experiences

What is male friendship (comradeship)?

Many companions, fewer deep emotional connections

What is female friendship (best friendship)

Deep, intimate relationships with a few close friends

What are “gender signals”?

Behaviors used to attract potential mates

What is the “Good looks game”?

Emphasis on physical appearance in attraction

What is the Adonis Complex?

Pressure on men to have an ideal muscular body

What traits are most desired in a partner?

Intelligence, honesty, kindness, humor, trust, confidence.

What is a major dating trend in 2026?

Casual relationships (hookups, friends with benefits)

What is the “new maxim” of dating

Casual can become serious, and serious can become casual

What is sex typing?

Learning behaviors and roles considered appropriate for one’s gender

What do children begin to value their gender identity?

Around ages 1-3

What does it mean that gender identity is “internally motivated”?

Children actively try to behave in ways that match their gender

How can birth order influence development?

It can shape personality, roles, and family expectations

How can parental favoritism affect children?

It can influence self-esteem and sibling relationships

How do siblings impact social skills?

They help develop conflict resolution and communication skills

How do brothers and sisters sometimes reinforce gender differences?

By emphasizing stereotypes to create distinction or superiority

What effect does having females in a family have on males?

Increases empathy and generosity

What roles do grandparents and relatives play?

Teachers, enforcers, and equalizers of behavior

When do peer influences on gender roles begin?

Early childhood (playgroups and daycare)

What is a common pressure boys face from peers?

Avoiding behaviors seen as feminine

What type of play is common for girls in childhood?

Intimate, relationship-focused play

How are friendships changing for boys today?

More acceptance of emotional expression and close friendships

What do toys and games often reinforce

Traditional gender roles and expectations

Who was originally allowed access to education in early America?

Primarily boys.

What was the first profession widely open to women?

Teaching

What was significant about Oberlin College (1832)?

First coed college to accept Black students

How were early coed women treated in colleges?

Often isolated and low status

What ability shows small differences favoring females

Memory for objects

How do hormones affect cognitive abilities?

They influence brain function and certain skills

What can help improve gender equality in education?

Diverse role models, inclusive curriculum, and more male teachers

Why are single-sex classrooms debated?

They may reduce stereotypes but limit interaction

How has media portrayal improved since 2000?

More diversity in gender roles and LGBTQ representation

What is a negative trend in media since 2015

Increased misinformation and extreme sexism online

What factors influence the ability to form friendships?

Culture, personality, attachment style, and self-esteem

What are common rules of friendship?

Trust, respect, loyalty, and mutual support

Why do men often form strong loyalty bonds?

Historical experiences like war and shared hardship

What is a barrier to male friendships

Low emotional expression

How does homophobia affect male friendships

It can limit physical closeness and emotional openness

What is a clique?

A close-knit group that provides belonging but can be restrictive

What is “relationship aggression”?

Social manipulation like exclusion or gossip

Why might gossip develop in female friendships?

As a way to bond, vent, or manage social dynamics

What is self-objectification theory?

Viewing oneself primarily based on appearance

What is body dysmorphia?

Distorted perception of one’s body

What is looksmaxing?

Efforts to maximize physical attractiveness

What are biological motivations for relationships?

Sexual drive and reproduction

What are emotional motivations?

Companionship intimacy

What are financial motivations?

Security and resource support

What is a major trend in young adulthood today?

Delayed marriage and increased singledom

What is cohabitation?

Living together without being married.

What is polyamory?

Having multiple consensual romantic relationships

How do most teens and college students meet partners?

Group hangouts that lead to pairing off

What is a “friends with benefits” relationship?

Friendship with sexual involvement but no commitment

How did COVID-19 impact Gen Z dating?

It created lasting isolation and a feeling of “missing out” on early romantic experiences

How do financial issues affect Gen Z dating?

They limit expensive dates and increase trends like splitting costs (going dutch)

What is “intentional” or “slow dating”?

A trend focused on meaningful, low-pressure relationships instead of quick hookups

What is “soft dating”?

Casual, low pressure dating without strict expectations or labels

What type of partner is increasingly attractive to Gen Z?

A '“grounded” partner—steady, emotionally stable and focused on mental health

What is “dry dating”?

Going on dates without alcohol

What is a common disappointment with dating apps?

Matches not looking as good as their photos

What types of deception occur on dating apps?

Lying about age, education, location, or relationship status

What is “ghosting”?

Suddenly cutting off communication without explanation

What percentage reported sexual abuse on dating apps?

About 9%

What Percentage reported physical abuse

About 3%

What percentage reported being asked for money?

About 2%

What are positive outcomes of dating apps?

Finding relationships, hookups, friendships, and increased confidence

What are the odds of finding a romantic match on dating apps?

About 50%

Do most students recommend dating apps?

Yes, the majority do

What is required for consent?

A clear verbal “yes” from both people

Why are non-verbal cues risky for consent?

They can be misinterepreted

Can established couples rely on non-verbal cues?

Sometimes, but it depends on mutual understanding

What role does sobriety play in consent?

Both people must be sober enough to give consent

What should you do if someone seems hesitant?

Recognize the signs and stop or check in

Can consent be withdrawn?

Yes, at any time