Gender Roles Test 2

Define and explain the concepts of objectification and self-objectification. Be able to explain the consequences of and strategies for overcoming the negative impact of self-objectification. (Chapter 6: Women’s Bodies)

Objectification refers to the act of treating a person as an object rather than a human being, often focusing solely on physical appearance. Self-objectification occurs when individuals internalize this objectifying gaze, leading to negative consequences such as body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem; strategies for overcoming it include promoting body positivity and mindfulness.

Define normative discontent and identify how this manifests among girls and women. (Chapter 6: Women’s Bodies)

Normative discontent refers to the pervasive societal expectation that women should be dissatisfied with their bodies, leading to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy. This often manifests in girls and women through negative body image, dieting behaviors, and a constant comparison to unrealistic beauty standards.

Examine the discrimination in contemporary beauty norms. (Chapter 6: Women’s Bodies)

Discrimination in contemporary beauty norms refers to the unfair treatment and societal biases that favor certain physical ideals over others. This often results in the marginalization of individuals who do not conform to these standards, leading to widespread issues such as body image concerns and reduced self-worth among women.

Explore the major biological components of the menstrual cycle. (Chapter 6: Women’s Bodies)

1. Low estrogen, hypothalamus signals pituitary

2. Pituitary releases FSH, follicles mature, ovaries increase estrogen production

3. Endometrium begins to develop

4. Pituitary stops FSH and starts luteinizing

5. Only one follicle grows (one egg develops)

6. Ovulation – day 14

7. Empty follicle becomes corpus luteum

8. High progesterone inhibits luteinizing and corpus luteum decomposes

9. Progesterone and estrogen levels drop, endometrium sloughed off

10. Low estrogen detected by hypothalamus and new cycle begins

Discuss how research on sexual behavior has changed over time in the United States. What did Masters and Johnson’s research reveal that the sex surveys did not? How has their research changed views of sexuality? (Chapter 7: Sexuality)

The Kinsey Studies (1938-1950s) • Sexual behaviors not always consistent with social opinion • Double standard for sexual behavior (men have more experience than women) • Included same-gender activity

Hunt’s Playboy Foundation Survey –1970s • Confirmed prevalence of masterbation • Decreased estimates of same-sex sexuality • Increase in premarital, extramarital, and oral-genital sexual activity

The National Health and Social Life Survey—1994 • Representative sample! • Married people had sex more often than other couples. • Only 30% of respondents accepted sex outside of marriages.

Masters and Johnson’s Approach • Direct observations of sexual behavior • Masturbation and intercourse- Revealed physiology of sexual arousal • Men and women have similar experiences • Contrasted with Freudian view of sex

Criticisms with Masters and Johnson’s Approach • Ignored individual variations • Non-conformity associated with sexual dysfunction

What are sexual scripts and what function do they serve? Consider whose scripts are emphasized and who is omitted. What are consequences of sexual scripts? (Consider the sexual double standard, slut shaming, and compulsory heterosexuality.) (Chapter 7: Sexuality)

Sexual scripts are conceptual frameworks that guide sexual behavior, outlining expected norms and roles in sexual situations. They often emphasize heterosexual relationships and male pleasure, while marginalizing LGBTQ+ experiences and women's autonomy, leading to issues like slut shaming and perpetuation of the sexual double standard.

How do we learn about sex? What are the three main sources of sexual education (other than school)? Be able to discuss the limitations of each source (including school!). (Chapter 7: Sexuality)

Sex is learned through family, peers, and media. Family often provides initial attitudes and beliefs, though communication can be limited. Peers may share personal experiences, but their knowledge can be unreliable or inconsistent. Media portrays often unrealistic depictions of sex, which can shape perceptions but may not reflect reality.

Explain the different types of sexual dysfunction covered in class as well as common (non-physical) causes. What are strategies for reclaiming sexuality? (Chapter 7: Sexuality)

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder: lack of interest in sexual activity or the complete absence, including thoughts and fantasies, prior to and/or during sexual experiences

• Sexual arousal disorder: occurs when the desire for sex is normal but women have difficulty achieving or maintaining physiological sexual arousal (e.g., low levels of vaginal lubrication, decreased sensation)

• Female orgasmic disorder: the absence, delay, or decreased intensity of orgasm after experiencing “sufficient” sexual stimulation and arousal

• Dyspareunia: painful intercourse

Strategies for reclaiming sexuality may encompass therapy, open communication with partners, and exploring new forms of intimacy.

Explore the evolution of courtship and dating scripts. Be able to define ‘dating scripts” and discuss how these are formed and how they shape behavior. (Chapter 8: Relationships)

Dating scripts are the socially constructed norms and expectations that guide individuals in the process of courtship and dating. These scripts are formed through cultural influences, media representations, and personal experiences, shaping behaviors by dictating appropriate actions, roles, and interactions in romantic relationships.

What do couples believe and what do they practice concerning power in intimate relationships? What factors influence power in relationships? Does the sexual orientation of the couple have an impact on power? (Chapter 8: Relationships)

Couples often believe in equal power dynamics in intimate relationships, yet traditional gender roles and societal norms can create imbalances. Factors influencing power include communication styles, economic status, and cultural background, while sexual orientation may also affect power dynamics, particularly in non-heteronormative relationships.

What factors relate to ending intimate relationships/divorce? For whom is divorce beneficial? Who experience greater consequences following divorce? (Chapter 8: Relationships)

Factors related to ending intimate relationships often include communication breakdown, infidelity, and financial issues. Divorce can be beneficial for individuals in abusive or unhealthy relationships, while children and partners who are less financially stable may experience greater consequences following divorce.

Evaluate the statement: Across time and cultures, economics plays an important role in gender equality in marriage relationships. (Chapter 8: Relationships)

This statement suggests that economic factors significantly influence the dynamics of gender equality within marriage, impacting roles, decision-making, and overall relationship health, as economic independence can empower individuals and shift traditional power imbalances.

Eli Finkle and colleagues examined marriage across history and asserted that present day married people are the least satisfied with their marriages (higher divorce rate) but also capable of having the most fulfilling marriages when compared to couples in the past. Explain why this is using Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs as context. (Chapter 8: Relationships)

Eli Finkle and colleagues argued that while contemporary marriages experience higher divorce rates and lower satisfaction, they also have potential for greater fulfillment due to the ability to meet individual needs. Using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, modern couples can pursue self-actualization and emotional support, which were often less prioritized in past relationships.

List and explain Guttmann’s Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and how to overcome them. (Chapter 8: Relationships)

Gottman's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Overcoming them involves using constructive communication strategies, including expressing appreciation, focusing on specific behaviors instead of generalizations, taking responsibility, and practicing active listening.

Does maternal instinct exist? What does the literature say about childrearing abilities and how they develop? (Chapter 9: Motherhood and Parenting)

The literature indicates that maternal instinct is a debated concept, suggesting that childrearing abilities are shaped by a combination of biological, social, and environmental factors. Research shows that while some aspects of nurturing may be instinctual, many parenting skills are learned and influenced by cultural and situational contexts.

Explain the concept of reproductive justice and provide examples for how may manifest in someone’s life. (Chapter 9: Motherhood and Parenting)

femisint movement that centers around 3 basic rights: right to have children, not have children, and raise children in safe and supportive environments. Examples may include access to healthcare, support for family planning, and protection against discriminatory practices in healthcare and parenting.

What is the difference between “baby blues” and a postpartum mood disorder? (Chapter 9: Motherhood and Parenting)

"Baby blues" are temporary feelings of sadness and anxiety experienced shortly after childbirth, lasting a few days to a week. In contrast, a postpartum mood disorder is more severe and prolonged, including symptoms such as persistent depression or anxiety that can interfere with daily functioning and may require professional treatment.

Discuss risk factors and interventions for postpartum mood disorders. (Chapter 9: Motherhood and Parenting)

Risk factors for postpartum mood disorders include a history of mental illness, trauma, and lack of support. Effective interventions may involve therapy, medication, and social support systems to help new mothers manage their mental health.

What does the literature state about the reasons someone may seek an abortion, the emotional implications following an abortion, and the financial implications for the individual and her child following a denied abortion? (Chapter 9: Motherhood and Parenting)

Research indicates that individuals may seek an abortion for various reasons including financial instability, lack of support, and personal health concerns. Emotionally, individuals may experience relief, regret, or a complex mix of feelings post-abortion, while denied abortions can lead to increased financial strain and challenges in child-rearing.