Social Psychology Flashcards
What is Gender identity?
Gender identity is the awareness of one’s physical and biological composition that makes them male or female.
- It includes inherited genetic traits as well as behaviours based on the gender
What are the gender differences in personality?
- Men being more confident than women in Math or Science.
- Males engage in more physical aggression while females engage in more verbal aggression.
- In non verbal communication, women show more warmth while men show more dominance.
What are the four theories that explain how genders develop?
➡️Biological Theory
➡️Psychoanalytic Theory
➡️Social Learning Theory
➡️Cogntive - Developmental Theory
Explain in more detail the biological theory of how gender differences develop.
According to the biological theory, men and women developed their gender differences as a result of behaviours adopted from early men and women. During this time, men and women adopted certain behaviours that helped them to survive in the given environment. The focus of the biological theory is that biological or genetic traits formed in men and women created their gender differences.
Explain in more detail how the psychoanalytic theory shows how gender differences developed.
The psychoanalytic Theory by Sigmund Freud states that gender identity starts when a child identifies with a parent of the same sex. This process of identification occurs between the ages of three to five years.
- However, critics argue that this identification comes as a result of gender typing rather than its cause.
Explain in more detail how the social learning theory shows the origin of gender differences
According to the social learning theory, gender differences are molded by the acceptance of certain social norms/ behaviours in the environment of the child.
Here, behaviours are rewarded or discouraged based on whether they match the parents’ view of gender roles.
Explain in more detail how the cognitive developmental theory explains how gender differences develop.
The cognitive developmental theory states that children develop gender roles through interactions in their environment and reflections about those experiences. In the process, children are able to learn the different standards for male and female behaviour.
eg If the child sees himself as male or female, he/she will behave according to their perceived gender.
NB. Gender schema is a mental representation of behaviour from which a child categorizes behaviours.
What is a gender schema?
Gender schema is a mental representation of behaviour from which a child categorizes behaviours.
What is the importance of peer group relationships during adolescence?
Peer group relationships help adolescents to feel a sense of belonging.
Important in cresting social development.
Improving their well-being.
