Gender & Sex Flashcards
Define sex.
characteristics of males and females that have a biological basis
Give examples of sex characteristics.
- chromosomes (XX, XY)
- reproductive organs
- hormones
Define gender.
characteristics of men and women that are due to cultural & social beliefs and influences and perceptions
Give an example of gender characteristics.
- vGender roles that develop via socialization
- boys report higher self-esteem
- girls are more emotional
Give examples of physiological sex differences in adolescence.
- reproductive organs
- hormonal differences
Give examples of physical sex differences in adolescence.
- males have wider shoulders
- females have wider hips
Give examples of body composition sex differences in adolescence.
- males gain more muscle
- females gain more fat
What do gender differences often focus on?
Behavioural differences
Who is generally better at the spacial rotation task?
Males
Who is generally better at the facial emotion task?
Females
What is the gender intensification hypothesis
the gender gap widens during adolescence. There is an increase in pressure (internal and external) to think, feel, act in ways that are considered “gender appropriate” during this time
What are examples of external pressures of the gender intensification process?
- less peer support for opposite gender activities
- teachers reinforce gendered careers
What are examples of internal pressures of the gender intensification process?
- exploring expected gender roles
- becoming less tolerant of cross-gender behaviours
What are gender
stereotypes?
Over-generalized beliefs about gender that are reinforced by society
- assume all of one gender is the same
What are some examples of gender stereotypes?
- maturity
- career choices
- psychical abilities
- intellectual abilities
Compare gender differences and gender stereotypes.
Differences: actual, measurable differences between males and females
Stereotypes: beliefs about how males and females differ
Describe the change in gender attitudes in the last 50 years
- movement towards egalitarian attitudes
- a decline in reports of gender inequality
What are explicit attitudes about gender?
Attitudes that people are aware of and willing to admit
- not just extreme attitudes
What are implicit gender attitudes?
Attitudes within an individual’s unconsciousness
- no awareness of it
