1/ Gender - sex role stereotypes & androgyny P3 Flashcards
what is the definition of sex?
an individuals biological status as a male or female - determined by genes and chromosomes. Sex in innate.(natural)
what is the definition of gender?
the personal awareness of being male or female - influenced by nature and nurture
what research has been done into sex?
DAVID REIMER - born male but raised as a female after the accidental destruction of his penis at birth. later in life explained he never felt happy as a girl, after being told his history he adopted a male identity.
what does the research about David reimer conclude?
biological factors such as genes and chromosomes are very important in determining gender identity - wasn’t able to accept gender identity different to his biological sex - genes are more critical factors than socialisation.
what research has been done into gender?
BABY X studies - videotaped 32 mothers playing for 10 minutes with a baby who was not their own. baby was either dressed as a typical boy or girl. mothers responded differently and toy choices varied depending on the gender they perceived the baby. - masculine and feminine behaviour is learned through socialisation.
what is meant by sex-role stereotypes?
a set of beliefs and preconceived ideas about what is expected or appropriate for males and females.
what 3 things has research shown us about sex-role stereotypes?
- boys are treated more physically by parents by being given different toys and expected to play different games.
- the media portrays males and females differently in TV, magazines and advertising.
- schools encourage the study of different subjects for boy and girls.
what research is there to support sex-role stereotypes? (2)
- females are better at men than multitasking- MRI brain scans showed females have more connections between two sides of the brain.
- Western media - found TV adverts are more likely to show men in professional roles and females in familial and domestic roles.
what practical application has developed because of research into sex-role stereotypes?
suggests they are learnt through socialisation - therefore positive sex-role stereotypes can be reinforced rather than negative ones.
what is androgyny?
refers to a personality type where an individual possess a balance/mixture of both masculine and feminine characteristics. EG. man or women who is competitive and aggressive but nurturing and caring.
Who introduced the term androgyny and how to we measure it?
Sandra Bem and the BSRI - The Bee sex role inventory.
what is the BSRI like?
20 masculine , 20 feminine and 20 neutral traits. paps are asked rate themselves on each characteristic
what did Bem suggest androgyny was associated with?
good psychological well-being.
what is a strength of the BSRI?
has good test-retest reliability. - consistent findings have been obtained from the samepps on different occasions.
what two challenges have been regarded considering the validity of the BSRI?
- scoring system is subjective and paps may interpret the 7-point rating scale differently.
- link between androgyny and well-being might be because of a third variable - self-esteem. - most of the traits are socially desirable so scoring yourself high means you have high self esteem.
