Ch. 8 Becoming the Woman or Man you want to be

Gender Role Socialization

• Definition: Gender-role socialization begins early in life, where individuals learn the behaviors and expectations associated with being male or female.
• Influences: Identify role models who have shaped your views on gender roles.
• Awareness: Increased awareness can help assess the impact of gender-role socialization on your life.

Gender Similarities Hypothesis

• Concept: The gender similarities hypothesis posits that men and women are more alike than different, countering traditional stereotypes.

Challenges for Non-Binary and Transgender Individuals

• Violence and Discrimination: Third genders and transgender individuals often face systemic violence, discrimination, and adverse reactions in society.
  • Areas Affected: Discrimination can occur in various sectors, including employment, health care, and housing.
  • Global Perspective: Third-gender identities exist in cultures around the world, such as in South Asia, Mexico, and Thailand.

Positive Masculinity

• Approach: Positive masculinity emphasizes a strength-based perspective in understanding and counseling men.
  • Focuses on:
  • Present capabilities
  • Empowering qualities in men
• Importance in Counseling: This approach should take precedence in therapeutic contexts involving boys and men.

Gender-Role Issues

• Terms Defined:
  • Gender-atypical behaviors: Actions that do not conform to traditional gender norms.
  • Gender-role strain: The stress arising from failing to meet societal expectations of one's gender role.
  • Gender-role conflict: The difficulties that arise when roles intersect in conflicting ways.

Stereotypes of Traditional Male Roles

• Common Stereotypes:
  • Emotional unavailability
  • Independence
  • Power and aggressiveness
  • Denial of fear
  • Protection of inner self
  • Invulnerability
  • Lack of bodily awareness
  • Pressure to succeed in professional environments
  • Avoidance of expressions traditionally deemed feminine
  • Rigid perceptions of masculinity
  • Consequences include depression and loss of male spirit.

Emotional and Relationship Themes for Men

• Key Themes:
  • Trust with other men
  • Family relationships' effects on current dynamics
  • Understandings of fatherhood
  • Coping with loss, depression, and existential fears regarding aging
  • Exploration of unexpressed emotions and desires
  • Impact of inner critical voices on life satisfaction
  • Fear of abandonment and its effect on risk-taking
  • Development of healthy coping mechanisms for frustration and anger.

Shifting Female Roles

• Changing Perspectives: Women are reevaluating career paths and challenging traditional roles associated with feminine identity in various spheres, including work, relationships, and politics.
• Androgyny and Equality: The acceptance of androgyny allows women greater flexibility in asserting equality, contributing to improved life quality.

Stereotypes of Traditional Female Roles

• Common Stereotypes:
  • Warmth, expressiveness, and nurturing tendency
  • Lack of assertiveness and independence
  • Emotionality and intuitiveness over professional inclination
  • Preference for relationships over career achievements.

Women in the Workforce

• Role Strains: Employed women often juggle conflicting responsibilities, but work can enhance their lives.
• Challenges Faced: Women in high-prestige, traditionally male professions frequently encounter discrimination and patronizing attitudes, indicative of the 'glass ceiling' phenomenon.

Impact of Gender Role Socialization

• Cultural Boundaries: Both men and women may experience negative ramifications from adhering to culturally defined roles.
• Awareness and Change: Understanding the gender-role socialization process is essential for making informed choices about gender behaviors. Many individuals are actively challenging rigid societal norms.

Androgyny and Gender-Role Transcendence

• Androgyny: Refers to a blend of both masculine and feminine traits, allowing for behavioral adaptability based on situational demands.
• Gender-Role Transcendence: Encourages moving beyond strict gender categories to achieve a more integrated personal identity.