Gender and Sexual Orientation (AP Psychology Review: Unit 3 Topic 3)

Introduction

• Overview of the topic: Gender and Sexual Orientation

• Acknowledgment of the subject's complexity and personal nature

• Focus on concepts relevant to the AP Psychology curriculum

Sex vs. Gender

Definitions

• Sex: Biological differences between males and females

  • Primary Sex Characteristics: Traits directly related to reproduction (e.g., reproductive organs).

  • Secondary Sex Characteristics: Traits indirectly related to reproduction (e.g., men having broader shoulders, women having less facial hair).

• Gender: Social, physical, and behavioral traits that society associates with men and women

  • Learned aspects of a person's sex

  • Importance of understanding gender begins at a young age

Gender Recognition in Children

• Children can identify gender around age two

• By age three, children can recognize specific gender-associated traits

• Gender Schema Theory: Mental categories for masculinity and femininity, guiding children’s understanding of their gender roles

  • Leads to the creation of gender roles and stereotypes.

Socialization and Gender Roles

• Definition: Process of learning values, standards, and attitudes

• Influence of different factors on gender perception

Major Influences

1. Family

   • Primary source of information for children

   • Gender roles established through direct teaching and indirect lessons (e.g., chores, rewards, and punishments)

2. School and Peer Groups

   • Increased influence during adolescence

   • Examine gender treatment in classrooms and social interactions regarding gender roles

   • Impact of peer acceptance and traditional roles on interests and behaviors

3. Media

   • Role of traditional and social media in shaping perceptions of gender

   • Content consumption (e.g., social media feeds, streaming recommendations)

   • Themes, trends, and messages in media affect self-perception and societal views

Sexual Orientation

Definitions

• Sexual Orientation: Individual’s sexual attraction toward others

  • Homosexual: Attraction to the same sex

  • Heterosexual: Attraction to the opposite sex

  • Bisexual: Attraction to both sexes

  • Asexual: No sexual attraction to either sex

Psychologists' View on Sexual Orientation

• Viewed as an inherent characteristic not chosen or changed

• Combination of genetic influences and environmental factors impacts sexual orientation

• No single trait or factor determines sexual orientation

Conclusion

• Recap of main topics covered: sex vs. gender, socialization influences, and sexual orientation

• Reminder to practice learned concepts

• Encouragement to seek additional help and resources from Mr. Sin's review packet and Discord community.