Ch. 8: Becoming the woman or man you want to be

Role Models & Gender Roles

• Identifying Role Models: Recognize individuals who have shaped your perceptions of gender identity.

• Gender-Role Socialization:

  • Starts early in life, influencing perspectives on femininity and masculinity.

  • Heightened awareness allows for assessment of gender-role socialization impacts on life.

Gender Similarities & Diversity

• Gender Similarities Hypothesis: Suggests men and women are largely similar.

• Third Genders and Transgender People:

  • Experience violence and discrimination.

  • Face negative societal reactions in areas such as employment, healthcare, and housing.

  • Presence noted in cultures of South Asia, Mexico, and Thailand.

Positive Masculinity

• Concept of Positive Masculinity:

  • Emphasizes a strength-based approach to counseling.

  • Aims to highlight men’s capabilities and resources, focusing on empowering qualities.

  • Should be prioritized in therapeutic contexts for boys and men.

Gender Dynamics in Behavior

• Key Concepts:

  • Gender-Atypical Behaviors: Behaviors that do not conform to traditional gender norms.

  • Gender-Role Strain: Stress resulting from the conflict between societal expectations and personal beliefs.

  • Gender-Role Conflict: Tension experienced when one’s personal identity does not align with gendered expectations.

Stereotypes of Traditional Male Roles

• Common Stereotypes:

  • Emotional unavailability.

  • Independence and aggression.

  • Denial of fears and vulnerability.

  • Protective nature concerning personal emotions.

Additional Male Stereotypes

• Other Characteristics:

  • Invulnerability and lack of body awareness.

  • Overemphasis on success in professional life.

  • Rejection of emotional or 'feminine' traits.

  • Avoidance of physical contacts between men.

  • Rigid thinking patterns leading to mental health issues.

Key Themes in Masculine Identity

• Topics of Exploration:

  • Trust among men.

  • Impact of family relationships on current interactions.

  • Definitions and challenges of fatherhood.

  • Issues of self-concealment in workplace environments.

  • Navigating loss, depression, and existential concerns, especially as one ages.

Emotional Health and Masculinity

• Relationships and Emotional Challenges:

  • Struggles with unexpressed emotions and internal desires.

  • The role of self-judgment in life satisfaction.

  • Fear of abandonment and its impact on taking risks.

  • Healthy management of frustration and anger.

  • Reflecting on personal definitions of masculinity.

Evolving Role of Women

• Shift in Women’s Career Priorities:

  • Increasing considerations of career paths over traditional roles.

  • Rising challenges against traditionally feminine roles in various sectors like work and politics.

  • Acceptance of androgyny facilitates women’s equality and improves life quality.

Stereotypes of Traditional Female Roles

• Common Female Stereotypes:

  • Expectations of warmth, nurturing, and emotional expressiveness.

  • Assumptions about lack of assertiveness and independence.

  • Tendencies toward emotional responses over professional ambitions.

Professional Challenges for Women

• Workplace Realities:

  • Employed women face conflicting role strains stemming from responsibilities.

  • Employment enhances women’s lives despite these strains.

  • Challenges in high-prestige, male-dominated professions include discrimination and sexist attitudes, leading to the concept of a