Gender 4 | Psychodynamic explanation of gender development Flashcards
AO1 What is the psychodynamic explanation of gender development
The psychodynamic explanation of gender development is based on Freud’s psychoanalytic theory which emphasises the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping gender identity.
AO1 What are the key components of Freud’s theory of gender development
The key components include the Oedipus complex the Electra complex identification and internalisation which occur during the phallic stage of psychosexual development.
AO1 What is the Oedipus complex in Freud’s theory
The Oedipus complex occurs during the phallic stage in boys and involves unconscious sexual desire for the mother and rivalry with the father which is resolved by identifying with the father and adopting his gender role.
AO1 What is the Electra complex in Freud’s theory
The Electra complex occurs during the phallic stage in girls and involves unconscious desire for the father and rivalry with the mother which is resolved by identifying with the mother and adopting her gender role.
AO1 What is identification in Freud’s theory
Identification is the process by which a child resolves the Oedipus or Electra complex by adopting the behaviours attitudes and gender role of their same-sex parent.
AO1 What is internalisation in Freud’s theory
Internalisation is the process by which a child incorporates the gender identity and moral values of their same-sex parent into their own personality forming the superego.
AO1 What role does the phallic stage play in gender development
The phallic stage is the third stage of Freud’s psychosexual development occurring between ages 3 and 6 during which the Oedipus and Electra complexes develop and gender identity is established.
AO1 How does Freud explain gender identity development
Freud argues that gender identity is formed when children resolve the Oedipus or Electra complex by identifying with their same-sex parent and internalising their gender role.
AO1 What is the role of the superego in gender development
The superego develops as a result of the child internalising the moral standards and gender role of their same-sex parent which guides future behaviour.
AO1 What was the case study of Little Hans
Freud used the case study of Little Hans a five-year-old boy who developed a phobia of horses which Freud interpreted as evidence of the Oedipus complex suggesting Hans feared his father and displaced this fear onto horses.
AO3 What is a strength of Freud’s psychodynamic explanation of gender development
A strength is that it highlights the importance of early childhood experiences in shaping gender identity supported by research showing that children often model the behaviours of their same-sex parent.
AO3 What is a major weakness of Freud’s theory
A major weakness is that it lacks empirical support as the Oedipus and Electra complexes are difficult to test scientifically and rely on subjective interpretations.
AO3 How does Freud’s theory demonstrate gender bias
Freud’s theory is androcentric as it suggests girls develop a weaker superego due to penis envy making their gender identity inferior to that of boys.
AO3 What are the cultural limitations of Freud’s theory
Freud’s theory assumes a nuclear family structure which is not universal as cross-cultural studies show that gender roles vary significantly challenging the universality of the Oedipus and Electra complexes.
AO3 What are the practical applications of Freud’s theory
Freud’s theory has applications in therapy as it helps individuals understand unresolved childhood conflicts that may influence their gender identity or relationships.
