Mod 13 (part 2)

Module 13 Part Two: Gender Development

Introduction to Gender Concepts

• Sex:

  • Biologically influenced characteristics defining male, female, or intersex.

• Gender:

  • Behavioral characteristics associated with masculinity or femininity.

• Conceptualizing gender:

  • Body defines sex; mind defines gender.

  • Mind’s understanding of gender influenced by biology and personal experiences.

Similarities and Differences in Gender

• All genders share similar emotional experiences and intelligence.

• Average creativity and emotional capabilities are comparable.

• Notable areas exhibit gender differences that warrant attention.

Gender Development and Aggression

• Aggression Defined:

  • Physical or verbal behavior aimed to harm.

• Gender differences in aggression:

  • Men report higher levels of aggression and commit more violent crimes.

  • Women commit minor physical aggressions and engage more in relational aggression (harming social standing).

Gender Development and Social Power

• Global perception of gender roles:

  • Surveys indicate beliefs that men are superior political leaders and business executives.

  • Research explores if these beliefs are rooted in cultural bias.

• Negotiation Outcomes:

  • Men may have negotiating advantages (concept of 'male answer syndrome').

Gender Development and Social Connectedness

• Universal human need for belonging.

• Differences in communication and friendship styles:

  • Men's relationships often perceived as independent; women's relationships tend to be more intimate and supportive.

• Gender differences more pronounced in adolescence and early adulthood.

Biology's Influence on Gender Development

• Biological Factors:

  • Genetic structure (X and Y chromosomes) and hormonal influences define gender.

• Prenatal Development:

  • At conception, XX (female) or XY (male) zygote formation.

  • Y chromosome prompts development of male characteristics around the seventh week through testosterone.

Understanding Hormones in Sexual Development

• Hormonal roles:

  • Testosterone: Grows male sex organs; influences male traits at puberty.

  • Estrogens: Promote female characteristics, higher levels in females.

• Puberty:

  • Sexual maturation period marked by physical differences and sex characteristic development.

Sexual Development Variations

• Intersex:

  • Individuals with combinations of male and female chromosomes/hormones.

• Examples:

  • Klinefelter's Syndrome: Genetic males (XY) with XXY; may result in sterility.

  • Turner Syndrome: Genetic females (XO) lacking one X; possible lack of secondary characteristics.

  • Huevedes Children: Genetic males appearing female until puberty.

Understanding Gender Roles

• Gender Role Defined:

  • Set expectations of behaviors and attitudes associated with being male or female.

• Cultural Variations:

  • Gender roles differ across cultures; e.g., Saudi Arabia's historical limitations on women's societal roles.

The Nature of Gender Identity

• Gender Identity:

  • Personal sense of being male, female, or a mix; can evolve over a lifetime.

• Theories of Gender Identity:

  • Social Learning Theory: Gender behaviors learned through observation and imitation.

  • Gender Typing: Children gravitating towards identities that feel right.

• Gender schemas help understand male/female traits and guide our identity.

Androgyny and Gender Flexibility

• Androgyny:

  • Exhibiting both masculine and feminine traits.

  • Linked to adaptability and resilience in individuals.

• Challenges faced by boys adopting feminine traits versus girls adopting masculine traits.

Transgender Perspectives

• Cisgender vs. Transgender:

  • Cisgender corresponds with assigned sex; transgender differs from this assignment.

• Challenges for transgender individuals:

  • Experience discrimination and mental health struggles; often face societal stigma.

• Statistics on transgender demographics show growing acceptance and visibility in modern society.

Nature-Nurture Interaction in Gender Understanding

• Biopsychosocial Approach:

  • Considers biological, psychological, and socio-cultural factors in development.

• Components influencing gender:

  • Biological Influences: Genome, hormonal effects, sex-related physiology.

  • Psychological Influences: Childhood experiences shaping identities and behaviors.

  • Socio-Cultural Influences: Peer pressure, cultural norms, and parental expectations.

Conclusion

• Understanding gender is crucial in recognizing human diversity, influenced by a blend of nature and nurture.