Developmental Theories of Gender Differences Flashcards
Early theoretical explanations of gender differences were rooted in biology. These theories are based on the assumption that certain distinct behaviours are adaptive for males compared to females.
Evolutionary Theories
What two things did Darwin suggest that gender differences are based on?
- sexual selection
- parental investment
who proposed that the unconscious mind results in gender differences?
Freud - psychoanalytic theory
Freud proposed that the oral and anal stage are gender neutral, however…
…at the phallic stage, children begin to develop a gender identity.
Boys in the phallic stage develop an attraction for their mothers. Competition and tension develops between boys and their fathers particularly for their mother’s attention. Realising that their father are superior, boys start to associate with their fathers out of self preservation.
The Oedipus Complex
Developed as a counterpart to the Oedipus complex. Girls develop antagonism toward their mothers, but eventually they start to identify with their mothers out of a desire for their father’s attention. Girls also struggle with penis envy – the desire to have a baby replaces this desire.
The Electra Complex
What are critiques of Freud’s Theory?
This was the first attempt to remove gender difference explanations away from biology
and also links gender identity to sexual orientation. As a result same sex attraction is seen as an issue with gender development
What are four more critiques of Freud’s theory?
Evidence in based on limited (or no) observation
Theory on females was extrapolated from males
This theory does not challenge any existing gender stereotypes
Freud himself started to question some of his thoughts on gender identity
a theory by early social psychologists attempted to understand the criteria for masculine and feminine by proposing a typology
sex role theories
what are four assumptions of sex role theories?
- Polar attribute
- Deep seated, permanent characteristics
- Not visible in behaviours
- Linked to mental heath
Parson’s sex-role theory laid out what two roles?
- instrumental roles (masculine)
- expressive roles (feminine)
What is: cult of compulsive masculinity (parson’s sex-role theory)
A dysfunction whereby boys attempt to assert their masculinity and react to femininity
Based on the idea that our thoughts and perceptions dictate our interpretation of experiences. Males and Females see/think about the world differently
Cognitive explanations of gender differences
Cognitive consistency is based on the belief that one’s gender is fixed and irreversible
Children start to value their own gender and seek to behave in ways to reinforce it
Children’s conduct is often explained by their gender at this stage in their lives
Kohlberg’s Cognitive Developmental Theory: Gender Constancy
Bem’s gender schema theory
We learn gender identity which becomes our basis for judging our own and other’s behaviour. Children learn these behaviours as soon as they see the differences in group organization in society.
