Theoretical Underpinnings/Perspectives on Gender

Learning Outcomes

  • By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
    • Examine psychological explanations for the formation of gender identity.
    • Explain the role of biology in the development of sex and sexuality and its implications for gender development.
    • Compare sociological perspectives explaining gender and sex.

Biological Theories on Gender

  • Core Idea: There is no distinction between sex and gender; biological sex determines gendered behavior.
Hormones
  • Definition: Chemical substances secreted by glands that circulate through the bloodstream.
  • Testosterone:
    • Affects development and behavior before and after birth; more prevalent in males.
    • Induces prenatal masculinization of hypothalamus and development of male sex organs around 7 weeks.
    • Linked with typically male behaviors: aggression, competitiveness, spatial abilities, and a higher sexual drive.
    • Affects brain development:
    • Left hemisphere: language skills
    • Right hemisphere: non-verbal, spatial skills.
    • Research Example: Shaywitz et al. (1995) used MRI scans; found women utilize both hemispheres while men predominantly the left.
Chromosomes
  • Definition: Biochemical units of heredity; the 23rd chromosome pair determines biological sex (XX = female, XY = male).
  • SRY Gene:
    • Sex-determining Region Y Gene on Y chromosome directs the development of testes in the embryo (6 weeks).
    • If absent or non-functional (as seen in some XY individuals), ovaries develop instead.
  • Research Example: Koopman et al. (1991) showed that introducing the SRY gene into female mice causes them to develop male traits.
Atypical Chromosome Patterns
  • Turner’s Syndrome (XO):
    • Females with only one X chromosome (1 in 5000).
    • Characterized by lack of puberty and physical differences, above-average verbal skills but below-average spatial abilities.
  • Klinefelter’s Syndrome (XXY):
    • Males with an extra X chromosome (1 in 750).
    • Leads to less body hair, underdeveloped genitals, and language delays.
Nature of Intersex
  • Definition: Individuals born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit typical definitions of male or female.
  • Intersex variations can involve ambiguous genitalia and other chromosomal patterns.
  • Medical Approach: Historically, doctors assigned legal sex at birth; however, intersex is considered a natural variation rather than a medical condition. Surgical and medical interventions are often unnecessary.

Evolutionary Perspectives on Gender

  • Proposes that certain behaviors are rooted in evolutionary adaptations from the hunter-gatherer period.
  • Suggests men and women developed different survival strategies:
    • Men became problem solvers, while women assumed nurturing roles.
  • Division of Labor: Gender roles emerged to meet environmental demands during early human history.

Sociological Theories of Gender

  • Core Premise: Human behavior is largely dictated by social groups and their interactions.
  • Functionalism:
    • Studies how societal components work together to create stability; gender inequalities contribute to labor division.
    • One segment responsible for certain labor, maintaining social order.
  • Conflict Theory:
    • Focuses on how dominant groups maintain power over marginalized ones, linking family structures to social hierarchies.
    • Sees women's movements as responses to gender oppression.
  • Symbolic Interactionism:
    • Emphasizes individual interactions and the constructed nature of gender. Views gender as an ongoing performance shaped by social feedback.

Feminist Theories

  • Analyze gender inequality as rooted in the social structure and suggest strategies for achieving equality.
  • Waves of Feminism:
    • First Wave (1848-1920): Women's suffrage and right to vote.
    • Second Wave (1960s-1980s): Focus on pay equity and reproductive rights amid social injustices.
    • Third Wave (1990s-2008): Intersectionality and diverse gender identities; challenges to traditional norms.
    • Fourth Wave (2008-present): Viral campaigns addressing modern gender issues, including #MeToo, focusing on inclusivity.
Key Theories in Feminism
  • Queer Theory: Challenges rigid gender binaries and explores fluid identities.
  • Intersectionality Theory: Analyzes how overlapping identities (race, gender, class) contribute to systematic inequality.
  • Standpoint Theory: Indicates knowledge is influenced by social position and personal experiences.

Psychological Theories on Gender

  • Psychodynamic Perspective: Influenced by Freud, focuses on unconscious processes and their impact on gender identity.
  • Social Learning Theory: Emphasizes behaviors learn through observation and societal responses, often simplifies children’s understanding of gender roles.
  • Cognitive Development Theories: Propose mental structures develop through stages, affecting gender identification and competence.
  • Gender Schema Theory: Suggests children create frameworks for understanding gender through social experiences, influencing their decisions and actions.

Importance of Gender Perspectives

  • Highlights how gender-based discrimination affects both immediate and long-term outcomes for all genders.
  • Aimed at ensuring that policies and societal structures are equitable, reducing inequalities in political, economic, and social spheres.

Assignment

  • Prepare for Module 4: The Gendered Society by:
    1. Watching an assigned film.
    2. Analyzing and reporting on topics as per group assignments.