Psychology of women: Exam 2 Review

Educational goals

The aims and aspirations of students regarding their education and career, often influenced by gender and socioeconomic status.

Chilly climate

A campus environment where women experience biased treatment, such as ignored contributions or single out in courses.

Stereotype threat

The risk of confirming negative stereotypes about an individual's social group, which can impact performance.

Gender gaps

Disparities between genders in areas such as education, opportunity, and achievement.

Self-efficacy

An individual's belief in their capability to succeed in specific situations; varies between genders.

Cultural values

The beliefs and practices held by a group of people that influence their behaviors and perspectives.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors toward a marginalized group.

Collectivist values

Cultural norms that emphasize the needs and goals of the group over the individual.

Maternal employment

The participation of mothers in the workforce, which can be influenced by cultural beliefs and personal preferences.

Career aspirations

The career goals and ambitions that individuals pursue, which can vary among genders.

Achievement motivation

The drive to excel and achieve success in academic and career pursuits.

Work-family outcomes

The results of balancing work and family responsibilities, affecting women's career paths.

Occupational climate

The environment and atmosphere in a workplace, which can differ based on gender dynamics.

Educational attainments

The levels of education achieved by individuals, with a notable increase among women since 1985.

Gender inequality

The unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender.

Role models

Individuals who influence others by their example, particularly in career paths or education.

Single-sex institutions

Educational establishments that are gender-specific, found to provide increased support for women's learning.

Biased treatment

Unfair or prejudiced treatment of individuals based on their gender or other characteristics.

Career counseling

Support services aimed at helping individuals navigate their career choices and development.

Flexibility in the workplace

The ability to adjust work hours or conditions to accommodate personal needs, often emphasized by mothers.

Salary expectations

The anticipated income that individuals believe they will earn in their professions.

Professional attainment

The achievement of success and recognition within a chosen career field.

Gender differences

Variations in attitudes, behaviors, and preferences between men and women.

Vocation interest inventories

Assessment tools used to identify an individual’s interests and suitability for various careers.

Discrimination

Unjust treatment of different categories of people, often based on gender, race, or other characteristics.

Higher education

Post-secondary education, including college and university degrees, which significantly impacts career opportunities.

Support from parents

Encouragement and assistance from family influences career choices and aspirations.

Social class position

The economic and social status of an individual or group, affecting values and opportunities.

Career development

The progression and professional growth of an individual throughout their work life.

Job security

The assurance of continued employment, increasingly valued by women in the workforce.

Promotions

Advancements in one's job position, often associated with power and material success.

Interpersonal relationships

Connections and interactions with others, considered valuable by many women in their careers.

Menstruation

The monthly discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus.

Dysmenorrhea

Painful abdominal cramps and lower back pain during menstruation.

Menstrual joy

Experiencing menstruation as self-affirming, creative, and pleasurable.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

A condition characterized by severe symptoms that impair normal functioning during the premenstrual phase.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

The most severe form of PMS, affecting 3 to 9% of women.

Contraception

Methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy.

Abortion

The termination of a pregnancy, often a controversial procedure.

Vacuum aspiration

A method of abortion where contents of the uterus are removed by suction.

Miscarriage

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation.

Stillbirth

The loss of a fetus at 20 weeks or later in pregnancy.

Teenage pregnancy

Pregnancy occurring in females aged 15 to 19.

Lamaze method

A family-centered approach to childbirth designed to reduce the pain and complications of labor.

Maternity blues

A temporary state of sadness and anxiety that many women experience after childbirth.

Postpartum depression

Severe feelings of depression lasting for weeks or months after delivery.

Infertility

The inability to conceive a child after a year of trying.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART)

Medical procedures used to address infertility, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Menopause

The cessation of menstrual periods for a full year, usually occurring between ages 48 and 52.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

A treatment used to relieve menopausal symptoms, involving hormones like estrogen and progestin.

Prostaglandins

Biologically active lipids that may cause menstrual pain through uterine contractions.

Cervix

The narrow passage forming the lower end of the uterus.

Genetic defects

Abnormalities in genes that may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affecting fertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with cysts.

Couples' communication

The interaction between partners regarding contraceptive use, vital for effective family planning.

Parental notification legislation

Laws requiring minors to inform parents before obtaining an abortion.

Doula

A trained professional who supports women during labor and delivery.

Emergency contraception

Methods used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

A small device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Friendships in adolescence

Characteristics include same-gender close friendships, with girls being more intimate and engaging in more self-disclosure compared to boys.

Intimacy

A measure of closeness in friendships, often higher in women's friendships than in men's.

Social class

A socioeconomic status that influences friendship patterns and relationships.

Cues of sexual interest

Nonverbal signals that can indicate interest, which may lead to misperceptions, such as spending money or flirting.

Dating scripts

Culturally developed sequences of expected behaviors during dating, reflecting gender roles.

Cohabitation

Living together in a romantic relationship without being married, sometimes seen as a trial marriage.

Lesbian relationships

Partnerships between women that can face unique stressors and benefits, including equality and societal acceptance.

Motherhood mandate

Societal belief that women should have children and be continuously available for childcare.

Single-parent families

Households led by a single mother, which have been increasing and face challenges of poverty and support.

Emotional support

Assistance provided to help someone cope with their feelings, which is crucial in friendships.

Intensive mothering

A parenting approach that emphasizes a mother's continual involvement and self-sacrifice for her children's needs.

Gender-stereotypic parenting

Child-rearing practices that conform to traditional gender roles, which may be less prevalent among lesbian mothers.

Empty Nest

A phase in a parent's life when children have left home, which can be positive or experienced as a loss.

Kinkeepers

Individuals, often women, who maintain family relationships and connections, especially with adult children.

Grandparenting

The act of grandparents providing care and support for their grandchildren, often involving emotional and instrumental support.

Fatherhood stereotype

Cultural perceptions of what it means to be a 'good father,' often less scrutinized compared to motherhood.

Adjustment to widowhood

The emotional and physical processes experienced after losing a spouse, which can be extremely stressful.

Intergenerational relationships

Connections between different generations within families, impacting support systems and caregiving.

Divorce rates

Statistical measures showing the frequency of divorce, influenced by factors like education, age, and ethnicity.

Social support networks

The systems of people who provide emotional and practical support during difficult times, particularly important for single mothers.

Queer parenting

Parental practices within LGBTQ+ families that may differ from heterosexual norms but generally yield similar child outcomes.

Cross-sex friendships

Friendships between males and females that can be influenced by societal norms and homophobia.

Marital satisfaction

Contentment within a marriage, often dependent on communication, shared goals, and coping strategies.

Coping with divorce

The methods and strategies utilized by individuals, especially women, to manage the effects of divorce.

Older adults' living arrangements

Patterns in how elderly individuals, especially women, choose to live, often preferring to live independently.

Parenting roles

Expectations and responsibilities associated with being a parent, which can differ widely based on gender and social factors.

Ethnicity

A cultural identity that can significantly affect social interactions, relationships, and patterns of support.

Chilly climate

The biased treatment of women in academic environments, characterized by differential expectations and microaggressions.

Gender gap

The disparities in education and employment opportunities between men and women, particularly in developing regions.

Stereotype threat

A situational predicament in which individuals are at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group.

Single-sex institutions

Educational institutions that enroll only one gender, often providing more leadership opportunities and support for women.

Women’s career aspirations

The career goals and ambitions that differ among women and between genders, often influenced by societal expectations and stereotypes.

Work-family balance

The ability of individuals, especially women, to manage their professional and family responsibilities.

Self-efficacy

Belief in one’s capabilities to succeed in specific situations or accomplish tasks.

Cultural values

Beliefs and behaviors that are considered important within a specific cultural context, influencing attitudes towards education and work.

Educational attainments

The levels of education achieved by individuals, particularly women, over time.

Role models

Individuals whose success can inspire and guide others, particularly in underrepresented fields.

Microaggressions

Subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or behaviors that target marginalized groups.

Career counseling bias

The tendency for career guidance to favor certain genders or sectors, often discouraging women from pursuing STEM fields.

Achievement motivation

The desire to accomplish goals and achieve success, which can differ by gender.