Module 4 Explaining Gender

Summary

This presentation explores gender development through two primary approaches: socialization and cognitive theory. It discusses how feedback from peers and adults shapes gender behavior, emphasizing reinforcement and punishment in childhood experiences. The cognitive theory highlights gender schema theory, where internal representations of gender drive self-socialization. The presentation also addresses concepts like androgyny, non-binary identities, and gender nonconformity, illustrating the spectrum of gender beyond traditional categories. Finally, it introduces intersectionality, emphasizing how multiple identities, such as gender and disability, intersect to shape individual experiences. Overall, it underscores the complexity of gender identity and socialization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gender development is influenced by socialization through feedback, direct instructions, and modeling.
• 👶 Feedback from peers and adults reinforces gender-appropriate behavior, such as how boys and girls are treated when they get hurt.
• 💄 Direct instructions, like makeup tutorials in magazines, shape gender roles by telling individuals what is expected of them.
• 👩‍👧‍👦 Modeling and imitation are significant in gender socialization, with children often imitating behaviors they observe in adults.
• 🧠 Cognitive theory explains that individuals have internal representations of gender, known as gender schemas, which influence behavior.
• 🔄 Self-socialization occurs when individuals internalize gender schemas and strive to align their behaviors with these internal representations.
• ⚖️ Bem's research identifies different gender trait classifications, including androgynous, feminine, masculine, and undifferentiated identities.
• 🏳️‍🌈 Non-binary and third-gender identities challenge traditional male and female classifications, with individuals identifying in varied ways.
• 🚻 Gender nonconforming behavior involves expressing traits that fall outside traditional gender norms while identifying as male or female.
• 🌍 Intersectionality highlights that individuals possess multiple identities, and these intersecting identities shape their unique experiences.

Q & A

What are the two main approaches to explaining gender development and differences mentioned in the presentation?

The two main approaches are socialization and cognitive theory.

How does socialization influence gender development according to the presentation?

Socialization influences gender development through feedback, direct instructions, and modeling. For example, children receive different responses based on their gender when they express emotions, which reinforces specific gender norms.

Can you explain the role of feedback in the socialization process?

Feedback in socialization involves responses from peers and adults that reinforce or discourage certain behaviors. For instance, boys may be told to 'toughen up' when hurt, while girls may receive comfort, shaping their emotional responses.

What is cognitive theory's perspective on gender identity?

Cognitive theory posits that individuals have internal representations of gender, known as gender schemas, which influence how they perceive and organize information related to gender.

What is self-socialization as mentioned in the presentation?

Self-socialization refers to the process where individuals internalize their gender schema and actively strive to align their behaviors and identities with societal expectations of their gender.

What are the four types of gender identity classifications described by Bem?

Bem's classifications include androgynous (high on both masculine and feminine traits), feminine (high on feminine traits, low on masculine), masculine (high on masculine traits, low on feminine), and undifferentiated (low on both).

What does the term 'non-binary' refer to?

Non-binary refers to individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female. They may see themselves as both, neither, or fluctuate between genders.

How is 'gender nonconforming' defined in the context of gender identity?

Gender nonconforming describes individuals who identify as male or female but whose behaviors and expressions do not align with traditional masculine or feminine norms.

What does the term 'intersectionality' mean in relation to gender?

Intersectionality refers to the idea that individuals have multiple overlapping identities (such as gender, ethnicity, and social class) that intersect and influence their experiences in unique ways.

Can you provide an example of how intersectionality might affect a person's experience?

For instance, a woman with a disability may have a different experience than a woman without a disability or a man with a disability, as the intersection of gender and disability shapes their unique perspective and challenges.