Gender Roles and Differences Gender and Roles Gender

  • Slides: 9
Download presentation
Gender Roles and Differences

Gender Roles and Differences

Gender and Roles Gender- the sex of an individual, either male or female. Gender

Gender and Roles Gender- the sex of an individual, either male or female. Gender is a biological trait that is fixed by the genes before birth. Gender Roles- widely accepted societal expectations about how males and females should behave. Gender roles are a product of biological and social factors. When people violate gender roles, they are sometimes insulted, mocked, or ostracized. So boys tend to avoid “girly” activities and girls avoid activities “for boys”.

Gender Stereotypes Gender Stereotypes- oversimplified beliefs about the ways in which people ought to

Gender Stereotypes Gender Stereotypes- oversimplified beliefs about the ways in which people ought to behave. The case in America being that men are the breadwinners and women take care of the home. Feminine stereotype- warm, emotional, dependent, gentle, helpful, patient, and submissive Masculine stereotype- independent, competitive, tough, protective, logical, and dominant This even spills over into someone’s career. It is seen as feminine for someone to become a nurse, secretary, or grade school teacher. While construction and other hard labor is seen as masculine.

Physical Differences Obvious physical differences between the two sexes. Primary characteristics such as the

Physical Differences Obvious physical differences between the two sexes. Primary characteristics such as the organs of the reproductive system. Secondary characteristics such as deeper voices and more facial hair for men and smaller body size and wider hips for women. Of course, this is not the case for every man and woman, but it does describe the average man and woman.

Cognitive Differences It was once believed that men were smarter than women due to

Cognitive Differences It was once believed that men were smarter than women due to their greater knowledge of world affairs and skill in science and industry. This isn’t the case as they were excluded. Modern assessments show that there is no gap in cognitive abilities, although there is general strengths and weaknesses. Girls are superior in verbal abilities, spelling, and foreign languages. Men catch up later in college. Boys are superior in math, science, and map reading. A study showed that men are more likely to give specifics when giving directions and women are more likely to provide landmarks. Both are effective, but you can see how our brains tend to work differently.

Differences in Personality and Behavior Many gender differences are found here. Women tend to

Differences in Personality and Behavior Many gender differences are found here. Women tend to be more trusting and nurturing- affectionate care. In terms of communication, it is seen that girls do most of the talking. That’s been proven to actually be false. By the time you enter school boys dominate conversations. Girls usually do less talking in most mixed sex groups. Men are more likely to introduce new topics and interrupt others. Men tend to talk less than women do about their feelings. Women tend to talk to each other about such matters, while men tend to talk to women when they finally open up. Why do you think that is?

Mate Selection Physical features, such as cleanliness, good complexion, good teeth, healthy hair, firm

Mate Selection Physical features, such as cleanliness, good complexion, good teeth, healthy hair, firm muscle tone are universally appealing to both genders. But studies show that men place more emphasis on the physical than women do. Women are more willing than men to marry someone who is not “good looking”. Women place greater emphasis than men on traits such as dependability, kindness, and fondness for children. Women also tend to put more importance on social status, financial resources, dependability, education , and intelligence. Men put more importance on good looks, health, and a desire for home and kids.

Questions 1. What is the difference between gender and gender roles? 2. How do

Questions 1. What is the difference between gender and gender roles? 2. How do gender roles affect personality? 3. State the main similarity and the main difference between a gender role and a gender stereotype. 4. What is nurturance? How does it relate to women’s traditional gender roles? 5. List your personal interests, behavior, and personality and decide whether each is stereotypical for your gender. 6. Write a paragraph discussing one or more of the effects of gender stereotypes.

Quick Assignment Name jobs that might be done more easily by males and by

Quick Assignment Name jobs that might be done more easily by males and by females based on personality and behavior. For example, a translator, which may be done more easily by females because of their superior verbal abilities. List 5 jobs for each gender and explain why that gender may be more suitable for each job.