Hare: Gender Theory, Postmodernism, and Psychology

Abstract Overview: Two contemporary postmodern movements, constructivism and deconstruction, challenge the idea of a singular, objective reality by positing that meanings are products of social experience. This challenges traditional psychological understandings of gender.
Primary Meaning of Gender in Psychology: Historically, the fundamental understanding of gender in psychology has revolved around difference.
- Alpha Bias: This refers to the exaggeration of differences between men and women, often seen in approaches emphasizing contrasting experiences.
- Beta Bias: This refers to the minimization or overlooking of differences, typically found in approaches stressing similarities or equality.
Deconstruction and Therapeutic Discourse: A deconstructivist perspective can uncover hidden, culturally assumed meanings about gender relations within therapeutic discourse.
Beyond Conventional Constructions: The inherent paradoxes in current gender constructions necessitate moving beyond these established frameworks.
Historical Context of Gender Meaning:
- Traditional gender meanings primarily focus on how women differ from men, often to reinforce male superiority.
- Psychology historically accepted this cultural meaning of gender as difference, using research to