Gender

Question 1

What’s modelling in relation to gender development

Answer 1

Modelling is a process whereby a child / individual imitates the (gender-related) behaviour of a chosen person – a role model.

Question 2

.Outline social factors that may influence gender roles. (Total 4 marks)

Answer 2

Observational learning (social learning theory) and vicarious reinforcement are also significant factors, in particular the role of parents, media and schools.

Question 3

With reference to the Oedipus complex, explain why Ross agrees with his father.
(Total 2 marks)

Answer 3

• Ross has identified with his father
• internalised his father’s characteristics / values / behaviours; this happened in the phallic stage; resolution of conflict (castration anxiety); development of superego etc.

Question 4

Explain one methodological problem in relation to a study in which cultural variations in gender-related behaviour were investigated.

Answer 4

• Likely studies: Mead – Three tribes; La Fromboise; Buss etc.
• Likely problems: validity; researcher bias; ethnocentrism; subjectivity on the part of the researcher, lack of inter-rater reliability etc.

Question 5

Give one difference between males who have Klinefelter’s syndrome and males with typical sex chromosome patterns. (1)

Answer 5

Likely differences: chromosomal make up; size of genitalia; limb length; differences in timings of language development, temperament, passivity, shyness etc.

Question 6

Explain why psychologists study individuals with Klinefelter’s syndrome. (2)

Answer 6

• One mark – for comparison with individuals with typical sex chromosome patterns.
• One mark – inferences may be made of a chromosomal / biological basis / nature-nurture regarding gender development should there be differences found between atypical and typical sex chromosome individuals.

Question 7

Explain one methodological problem that might occur when asking young children questions about gender development. (Total 3 marks)

Answer 7

Likely answers: children may not understand the questions being asked; children may have limited communication skills; subjectivity involved in categorising the responses; practical issue of gaining consent.

Question 8

Using a gender-related example, explain one reason why some adult behaviours or actions seen by children are not copied. (Total 2 marks)

Answer 8

• Likely reasons: copying is not perceived to be appropriate; lack of identification or similarity between model and other; presence of punishment or criticism for the behaviour; lack of ‘attractiveness’ of the model; lack of: attention to the behaviour or model / motivation to produce the behaviour / retention of the behaviour / competence to produce the behaviour.
• An example of presence of criticism would be the young girl does not copy her father washing the car because she has been told, ‘that’s a man’s job.’

Question 9

Discuss the influence of culture and media on the development of gender roles.

Answer 9

qa a • Social learning theory and modelling – role of factors such as observation, imitation, identification, vicarious reinforcement
• Mediating cognitive variables – children more likely to imitate models who are attractive, similar, high status etc.
• Cultural representations of gender and reinforcement in various forms of media (TV, books, computer games etc)
•Role of direct reinforcement of gender stereotypical behaviours by parents, teachers, peers

Question 10

Briefly outline the biological explanation for gender identity disorder.(Total 2 marks)

Answer 10

– over or under-exposure to androgens in the womb (over-exposure for females, under–exposure for males) and consequent masculinisation or feminisation
Plus
– neurobiological abnormality resulting from either genes or pre-natal stress (and links to handedness)

Question 11

Patrick works as a head baker in a bakery. As part of a work appraisal he has just completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory. His score shows that he is highly androgynous.

Explain how Patrick’s high level of androgyny might be demonstrated in his behaviour at work.

Answer 11

• Patrick will enjoy a laugh and a joke with the other men in the workplace and will also join in with more sensitive/intimate discussions
• Patrick will be firm/authoritative with people in his team and also be sensitive/empathic when someone is unwell or stressed
• Patrick will engage in the heavy work like lifting sacks of flour and will also enjoy the more delicate tasks such as cake decorating and intricate pastry work