gender- evaluation Flashcards
Weakness-
cognitive approach
definition of alpha and beta bias are problematic- we should be neither beta or alpha biased as both are inaccurate ways of understanding gender which is too complex to be fully explained by focusing on just similarities or differences. Instead, we should acknowledge both forms of bias and except that there are some important similarities and differences between gender identities of all kinds. Therefore, both forms of bias are equally misleading, and we should avoid favouring one or the other.
strength= research supports
social approach
Geert Hofstede-
women in industrialised cultures have increasingly active roles in the work place and away from a domestic environment.
This had lead to a break down of traditional stereotypes in industrialised societies. SO the status of women and expectations of their gender role has changed
This suggests that gender roles are strongly influenced by culture.
weakness
social approach
gender-non-conformity
The social approach does not explain gender-non-conformity very well.
Most people in most cultures spend their lives with people who conform to gender norms and roles.
Social influence such as NSI tend towards gender conformity. If these influences really are powerful it is hard to explain how some individuals become non-conforming.
Perhaps a cognitive element is required and social influences depend on how we percieve them or think about them
This suggest other approaches may be a better explanation of the nature of gender.
strength
behaviorism and social learning theory
Cultural Variability=
these theories can account for variations in gender expressions across different cultures, as different cultures may have different expectations about gender roles and behaviors.
Some cultures, like those in Madagascar, the Philippines, and some Indigenous North American communities, recognize more than two genders
weakness
behaviorism and social learning theory
suggesting beahviour is due to conditioning alone is simplistic / reductionist.
as it breaks behaviour down into smaller parts to understand it
this means that cognition/social influences on behaviour are ignored
strength
biological approach
David Reimer was in a accident that damaged his penis. The doctors suggested his penis be removed and for him to be raised as a girl.They reasoned he was still young enough to make a succesful transition.
As he grew he demonstrated a preference to his brothers toys and masculine behaviour. He became deeply unhappy and suicidal. At this point his parents informed him of his true gender and he reverted back to being male.
This highlights how social factors may not be as important as we thin for gender identity. as his biological strucuture seemed to out weight his environment.
weakness
biological approach
the biological approach steers towards the view that gender is binary . However this is contradicted by evidence of a third gender in some cultures.
example- the fa-afine of Somoa are biologically male but choose to adopt female gender role. they dress as women and perform domestic tasks. and care for the family.
This culturaly accepted gender fluidity is hard for the biological approach to explain
