Issues and Debates: Gender and Culture

Question 1

Define ‘Universality’

Answer 1

Any underlying characteristic of human beings that is capable of being applied to all, despite differences of experience and upbringing.

Question 2

Define ‘Gender bias’

Answer 2

Psychological research or theories that may offer a view that does not justifiably represent the experience and behaviour of men and women.

Question 3

Define ‘Androcentrism’

Answer 3

Male-centred, when ‘normal’ behaviour is judged according to male standard (meaning female behaviour is often judged to be ‘abnormal’ or ‘deficient’ by comparison).

Question 4

Define ‘Alpha bias’

Answer 4

Research that focuses on differences between men and women, and therefore tends to present a view that exaggerates these differences.

Question 5

Define ‘Beta bias’

Answer 5

Research that focuses on similarities between men and women, and therefore tends to present a view that ignores or minimises differences.