Essay - Gender Differences Flashcards
Sex
Biological or anatomical physical attributes
Gender identity
Intrinsic sense of self as male, female or otherwise. It is a construct influenced biological, environmental and cultural factors
Gender variance
Non-conformity to societal norms of assigned gender including behaviours, appearance or identity
Gender dysphoria
Distress caused by discrepancy between a person’s gender identity and their natal gender
Sexual orientation
Personal, romantic or physical attraction to someone of the same, opposite, both or neither sexes
Transgender
Individuals with an affirmed gender identity that is different from their physical sex characteristics
Name the three theories of gender
- Biological determinism
- Gender role socialisation theory
- Gender as a construction
4 characteristics of gender according to Biological determinism
- Innate
- Binary (male, female)
- Fixed and unchanged level
- Essentialising (that there are innate essential differences between male and female)
Two criticisms of biological determinism
- The evidence is mixed and contested
2. Difficult to separate evidence from socio-cultural constructions
3 aspects of the gender role socialisation theory
1 Socialisation - socialised into being gender models we are
- Importance of role models - parents, media
- Informed by societal norms - different depending on country
Criticism of the gender role socialisation theory
Problem with this theory is that humans are depicted as passive recipients
What is the pre-natal gender talk study?
Smith is 2005 investigated whether the language and behaviour of the parent was different if they knew the gender of the baby before it was born? Yes, it did.
When born there is not much difference between males and females in the human species. What is this called?
Low level sexual dismorphism
5 aspects fo gender as a construction theory
- Gender as a performance (mostly unconsciously) and/or process
- Informed by many factors eg race, age, class, culture, sexuality
- Learned over time
- Contextual
- Complex
What is the most significant aspect of the gender as a construction theory?
In this theory humans have agency
How does biological determinism see the role of humans?
Gender cant be challenged as it is innate
How does gender role socialisation theory see the role of humans?
Difficult to challenge as there is an absence of agency. Can help with how we socialise children but there is no room for individual resistance
How does gender as a construction theory see the role of humans?
What is constructed can also be deconstructed. Room for challenging oppression and seeking social justice.
What is the problem if we see gender as innate?
We are likely to stereotype children and even act as police if they act outside their gender
Describe gender psychology before the 1960s
Dominated by men and participants also men. Focus on cognitive sex differences to explain differences (weighing brains). It was rife with gaps, assumptions, inconsistencies, poor methodologies.
Describe gender psychology after 1960s
2nd wave of feminism. Increase in gender research (multidisplinary). Shift from biological to socio-cultural explanations. Begin to question idea that gender is innate
What are the three areas of gender development?
Physical
Cognitive
Emotional
What do the physical characteristics of gender include
Genitalia, hormones, brain, muscle
What do the cognitive aspects of gender include?
Difference in cognitive development is minimal. Appears in only a small number of tests and for low percentage of score variance.
What do the emotional aspects of gender include?
Males more likely to show aggression. Females more likely to show relational aggression. Females more like to experience depression and males more likely to commit suicide.
Why is evidence of gender difference contested and controversial.
There is minimal variance/none at all. Why might there be differences? What would highlighting of differences achieve?
Name two common misconceptions of gender
1, That gender is innate not learned
2. That boys and girls develop differently
Why is it a common misconception that gender is innate rather than learned?
Sex is biological, however it is not binary and can be altered. Gender is learned, and is influenced by a number of factors, both biological and environmental
Do boys and girls develop differently?
Evidence is contested. It is a mistake to assume that a person learns a certain way because of their sex. People have learning preferences so teachers, where possible, should cater to these preferences. Think about the child and their individual needs rather than stereotyping.
Why is stereotyping dangerous in a classroom
May lead to child being underdeveloped in some areas because they have been discouraged from learning
Do we stereotype students based on their gender? Give an example
Yes. Uniforms, sports, subject choice, teachers treating students differently
Should we engage in harmful stereotyping?
No
Should we treat everyone the same?
You should understand fairness and equality, but strive for equity
What is equity in a school situation?
Providing help/assistance to students where they experience inequality (disadvantage).
Describe three societal impacts of treating people differently based on gender?
- Inequality in post-school success for women. Pay gap in Australia 15.3% due to lack of female CEOs/managers, unconscious bias in hiring, sexual harassment. In same job pay gap around 5%
- Hegemonic masculine stereotypes - don’t cry, don’t seek help, don’t talk about feelings having a negative impact on men’s health. In 2016 census data showed 2,151 males committed suicide compared to 715 females.
- Students still choosing subjects aligned to gender stereotypes
What is the impact of gender based inequality on gender variant students?
Higher rates of self harm, suicide, isolation, relationship problems, poorer post-school success, bullying, identity problems.
Higher risk of homelessness, substance abuse, self harm and suicide.
70-80% of LGBT homeless youth never sought help from a counsellopr or teacher
What is a teachers obligation?
Legally and morally obligated to keep schools safe and schools are responsible. They must intervene.
Describe one study and two outcomes regarding gender varient students
Jones, Smith, Ward, Dixon, Hillier & Mitchell (2016) surveyed 189 gender variant students and found that 40% said gender segregation was too often used in school pedagogy and 23% ranked school provisions as inappropriate. 65% verbally and 21% physically abused at school
What should be wary of when you teach? (6)
Thinking before you act
Who are you praising and punishing
Using inclusive language
Letting the ‘other’ live - don’t force your people top define themselves in your terms.
Not thinking of factors outside school (SES, location, parents, religion)
How can you help? (5)
Challenge bias and stereotypes Become an advocate Have no tolerance Vary your pedagogical techniques Consider how your school reinforces gender stereotypes
How can you keep learning?
Be a lifelong learner
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