Gender Development

Gender Development Notes

Introduction to Gender Development

  • Understanding Community: The diverse community of BYU emphasizes a collective pursuit of knowledge while adhering to spiritual teachings.
  • Disciplinary Terms: To study human development, it's crucial to grasp key concepts such as biological sex, gender identity, sexuality, gender roles, traits, and stereotypes.
  • Faith Perspective: The study of gender concepts will incorporate faith in Christ and teachings from living prophets.

Concepts and Definitions

  • Biological Sex: Determined genetically (XX or XY chromosomes, and physical genitalia).
  • Gender: A psychological and social identity shaped by cultural context.
  • Gender Stereotypes: Common beliefs about what behaviors and traits are appropriate for males and females.
  • Gender Role Norms: Societal expectations for how males and females should behave (e.g., expressive roles for females and instrumental roles for males).
  • Gender Typing: The process through which children adopt gender roles and stereotypes.

Biological Aspects of Sex

  • Categories of Biological Sex:
    • Male (XY chromosomes)
    • Female (XX chromosomes)
    • Intersex (various chromosomal and anatomical variations)
  • Intersex Conditions (DSD): Conditions where a child’s chromosomal makeup doesn’t match their physical sex characteristics, including:
    • 46, XX Intersex: Typically female chromosomes but male-appearing genitals.
    • 46, XY Intersex: Male chromosomes but female or ambiguous genitals (e.g., Swyer syndrome).
    • True Gonadal Intersex: Presence of both ovarian and testicular tissue.
    • Complex/Undetermined Intersex: Chromosomal configurations such as 45, XO or 47, XXY.

Social Constructs of Gender

  • Gender Assignment, Expression, Identity:
    • Assignment: Based on biological sex.
    • Expression: The external presentation of gender (through behavior, dress).
    • Identity: An individual’s personal sense of their gender (man, woman, genderqueer).
  • Gender Stereotyping: Fixed ideas about masculine and feminine traits (e.g., leaders are masculine, nurturing is feminine).

Gender Socialization Research

  • Hilliard & Liben (2010) Study: Demonstrated that labeling children by gender can reinforce stereotypes and decrease interest in cross-gender interactions.

Gender Identity Framework

  • Concepts:
    • Cisgender: Gender identity matches biological sex.
    • Transgender: Gender identity does not match biological sex.
    • Gender Queer: Not strictly identifying within binary genders.

Church Teachings and Gender

  • The concept of gender is considered vital in Heavenly Father’s plan. Definitions may differ based on context (biological vs. spiritual).
  • For individuals with ambiguous gender at birth, compassion and a careful decision-making process involving medical counsel are essential.

Distinction Between Gender and Sexual Orientation

  • Sexual Orientation: Refers to whom one is emotionally or sexually attracted (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual).
    • Comparison Table:
      • Sex: Biological attributes (chromosomes, hormones).
      • Gender: Cultural and social constructs (roles and identity).
      • Sexual Orientation: Attraction and relationships.

Developmental Milestones in Gender Typing

  • Ages 1-5: Gender-stereotyped toy preferences emerge; knowledge of gender roles increases.
  • Ages 6-11: Gender segregation in play solidifies; gender knowledge becomes more nuanced.
  • Ages 12-18: Gender identity becomes more traditional, with a shift towards androgyny common in girls.

Kohlberg’s Theory of Gender Understanding

  • Stages of gender understanding:
    1. Gender Identity (age 2): Labeling self and others by gender.
    2. Gender Stability (age 3-5): Realization that gender remains constant over time but not understood biologically.
    3. Gender Consistency (age 6-7): Understanding that gender remains the same regardless of appearance.

Gender Differences in Abilities

  • Verbal Abilities: Girls tend to excel in early language skills.
  • Spatial Abilities: Boys often outperform girls in tasks requiring mental rotation.
  • Mathematical Abilities: Girls perform better in early mathematics; boys excel in complex problem-solving in later years.
  • Emotional Sensitivity: Girls typically show higher empathy; boys often are more aggressive.

Influences on Gender Typing

  • Biological Influences: Genetic predispositions and hormonal differences contribute to gendered behaviors.
  • Social Influences: Parents, peers, and societal expectations significantly shape gender identity and behavior, often differing across cultures.

Breaking Stereotypes and Promoting Androgyny

  • Androgyny: Combining characteristics traditionally seen as masculine and feminine, linked to positive emotional adjustment.
  • Focus on developing a well-rounded individual, integrating the best traits from both genders.