Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development Chapter 2 Theoretical

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Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development Chapter 2

Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development Chapter 2

Theoretical Approaches to Gender �Theory = way to describe, explain, predict relationships �Theories shape

Theoretical Approaches to Gender �Theory = way to describe, explain, predict relationships �Theories shape how act and expect others to act �Theories are practical

Theoretical Approaches to Gender �Use theories to make sense of behaviors �Theories about sex

Theoretical Approaches to Gender �Use theories to make sense of behaviors �Theories about sex and gender affect thoughts and behaviors �Theories influence how see yourself �Theories help develop awareness

Theoretical Approaches to Gender �Four types of gender theories: ◦ Biological ◦ Interpersonal ◦

Theoretical Approaches to Gender �Four types of gender theories: ◦ Biological ◦ Interpersonal ◦ Cultural ◦ Critical

Biological Theories of Gender �Biological characteristics of sexes are basis of differences ◦ Influence

Biological Theories of Gender �Biological characteristics of sexes are basis of differences ◦ Influence of sex chromosomes �Most females – XX �Most males - XY

Biological Theories of Gender �Several genes controlling intelligence located only on X ◦ Some

Biological Theories of Gender �Several genes controlling intelligence located only on X ◦ Some aspects of male intelligence only inherited from mother ◦ Females may inherit intelligence from both parents

Biological Theories of Gender �Primary gene responsible for social skills only on X ◦

Biological Theories of Gender �Primary gene responsible for social skills only on X ◦ Women more adept in social situations

Biological Theories of Gender �Learn more - Turner syndrome: ◦ http: //www. turnersyndrome. org

Biological Theories of Gender �Learn more - Turner syndrome: ◦ http: //www. turnersyndrome. org / �Learn more - Klinefelter syndrome: ◦ http: //ghr. nlm. nih. gov/conditio n=klinefeltersyndrome

Biological Theories of Gender �X and Y chromosomes distinct �X chromosome more of a

Biological Theories of Gender �X and Y chromosomes distinct �X chromosome more of a multitasker ◦ Carries larger number of genes

Biological Theories of Gender �Role of hormonal activity ◦ Estrogen – primarily female �Produce

Biological Theories of Gender �Role of hormonal activity ◦ Estrogen – primarily female �Produce good cholesterol �Blood vessels more flexible �Strengthens immune system

Biological Theories of Gender �Role of hormonal activity ◦ Estrogen – primarily female �Causes

Biological Theories of Gender �Role of hormonal activity ◦ Estrogen – primarily female �Causes fat tissue to form around hips �Impede liver function

Biological Theories of Gender �Men have hormonal cycles ◦ Testosterone – primarily male �Drug

Biological Theories of Gender �Men have hormonal cycles ◦ Testosterone – primarily male �Drug use, violent behavior �Jockeying for power

Biological Theories of Gender �Men have hormonal cycles ◦ Testosterone – primarily male �Attempts

Biological Theories of Gender �Men have hormonal cycles ◦ Testosterone – primarily male �Attempts to dominate �Physical expression of anger

Biological Theories of Gender �Hormones influence cognitive abilities �Men’s hormonal change later in life

Biological Theories of Gender �Hormones influence cognitive abilities �Men’s hormonal change later in life is more gradual than women’s

Biological Theories of Gender �Testosterone deficiency can lead to: ◦ Increase in body fat

Biological Theories of Gender �Testosterone deficiency can lead to: ◦ Increase in body fat ◦ Moodiness and depression

Biological Theories of Gender �Hormones influence skills and tendencies ◦ Girls favor trucks if

Biological Theories of Gender �Hormones influence skills and tendencies ◦ Girls favor trucks if mother had high levels of testosterone during pregnancy

Biological Theories of Gender �Hormones influence skills and tendencies ◦ Males given estrogen experience

Biological Theories of Gender �Hormones influence skills and tendencies ◦ Males given estrogen experience �Decline in spatial skills �Increase in verbal skills

Biological Theories of Gender �Biological theories – differences in brain structure and development �Each

Biological Theories of Gender �Biological theories – differences in brain structure and development �Each sex specializes in one side of brain

Biological Theories of Gender �Men – better developed left lobes ◦ Linear thinking ◦

Biological Theories of Gender �Men – better developed left lobes ◦ Linear thinking ◦ Sequential information ◦ Spatial skills ◦ Abstract, analytical reasoning

Biological Theories of Gender �Women – better developed right lobes ◦ Aptitude for imaginative

Biological Theories of Gender �Women – better developed right lobes ◦ Aptitude for imaginative and artistic activity ◦ Holistic, intuitive thinking ◦ Visual and spatial tasks

Biological Theories of Gender �Women use both sides of brain for language tasks �Prefrontal

Biological Theories of Gender �Women use both sides of brain for language tasks �Prefrontal cortex larger ◦ Restrains aggression �Insula is larger �Affects intuition and empathy

Biological Theories of Gender �Male amygdala is larger ◦ Controls emotions like anger and

Biological Theories of Gender �Male amygdala is larger ◦ Controls emotions like anger and fear

Biological Theories of Gender �Corpus callosum links two lobes of brain ◦ Women have

Biological Theories of Gender �Corpus callosum links two lobes of brain ◦ Women have greater ability to use ◦ Men listen with left brain

Biological Theories of Gender �Corpus callosum links two lobes of brain ◦ Women listen

Biological Theories of Gender �Corpus callosum links two lobes of brain ◦ Women listen with both sides ◦ Men better able to use left side for directions

Biological Theories of Gender �Splenium – fold of connecting tissue in corpus callosum ◦

Biological Theories of Gender �Splenium – fold of connecting tissue in corpus callosum ◦ Larger in women �Increased verbal abilities

Biological Theories of Gender �Explore a 3 -D interactive diagram of the brain: ◦

Biological Theories of Gender �Explore a 3 -D interactive diagram of the brain: ◦ http: //www. g 2 conline. org/? gclid =CMv 0_3 sqps. CFQQVswod 9 Gvu. Dg

Biological Theories of Gender �Forces of biology evident in gender re-assignment cases ◦ David

Biological Theories of Gender �Forces of biology evident in gender re-assignment cases ◦ David Reimer �Penis amputated in surgery �Could not accept self as “girl” �Later surgically returned to male

Biological Theories of Gender �Controversy about strength of biological forces �Those with extreme view

Biological Theories of Gender �Controversy about strength of biological forces �Those with extreme view – biological factors determine abilities and behaviors �Others argue biology edited by environmental factors

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Psychodynamic theories assume relationships are central to human development

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Psychodynamic theories assume relationships are central to human development

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �The first important relationship is with primary caregiver ◦ Influences

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �The first important relationship is with primary caregiver ◦ Influences how infant comes to define identity

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Infants develop sense of self and gender identity as internalize

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Infants develop sense of self and gender identity as internalize views of others �Internalizing creates basic structure of psyche

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Mother may act differently toward daughters and sons �Infants follow

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Mother may act differently toward daughters and sons �Infants follow distinct paths that reflect relationship with mother

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Fundamental likeness between mother and daughter ◦ Interact more with

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Fundamental likeness between mother and daughter ◦ Interact more with daughters ◦ Keep daughters closer ◦ More nurturing

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Allows infant girl to import mother into her self

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Allows infant girl to import mother into her self

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Full identification between mother and son less likely ◦ Encourage

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Full identification between mother and son less likely ◦ Encourage more independence ◦ Talk less about emotional matters

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �To establish identity – boy differentiates himself from mother

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �To establish identity – boy differentiates himself from mother

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Identity is not static �Grows and changes as we interact

Psychodynamic Theories of Gender �Identity is not static �Grows and changes as we interact �As infants mature, carry with them basic identity formed in first relationship

Social Learning Theory Learn by imitating others and getting responses to behavior

Social Learning Theory Learn by imitating others and getting responses to behavior

Social Learning Theory �Behaviors that are rewarded reinforced �Behaviors that are punished or seen

Social Learning Theory �Behaviors that are rewarded reinforced �Behaviors that are punished or seen as neutral rejected

Social Learning Theory �Social world, including media amplifies personal inclinations �For example, hyperplasia ◦

Social Learning Theory �Social world, including media amplifies personal inclinations �For example, hyperplasia ◦ Learn more: �http: //cat. inist. fr/? a. Modele=af fiche. N&cpsidt=17298299

Social Learning Theory �Views children as passive in process �Suggests reinforcement process continues through

Social Learning Theory �Views children as passive in process �Suggests reinforcement process continues through lifetime

Cognitive Development Theory �Children play active role in developing gender identity �Pick models to

Cognitive Development Theory �Children play active role in developing gender identity �Pick models to teach themselves competency in masculine or feminine behavior

Cognitive Development Theory �Children go through several stages in developing identity ◦ Birth to

Cognitive Development Theory �Children go through several stages in developing identity ◦ Birth to 24 -30 months – search communication for labels to apply to self

Cognitive Development Theory �Children go through several stages in developing identity ◦ 3 or

Cognitive Development Theory �Children go through several stages in developing identity ◦ 3 or earlier – realize being boy or girl not temporary �Gender constancy

Cognitive Development Theory �As children mature, continue to seek role models �Boys learn aggressiveness

Cognitive Development Theory �As children mature, continue to seek role models �Boys learn aggressiveness is masculine

Cognitive Development Theory �Girls learn being physically attractive is feminine �Children who witness violence

Cognitive Development Theory �Girls learn being physically attractive is feminine �Children who witness violence may follow model

Cognitive Development Theory �Gilligan – most females socialized to value connections �Most males socialized

Cognitive Development Theory �Gilligan – most females socialized to value connections �Most males socialized to value autonomy

Cultural Theories of Gender �Focus on understanding gender from cultural perspective �Do not dispute

Cultural Theories of Gender �Focus on understanding gender from cultural perspective �Do not dispute biological or interpersonal factors ◦ Assume qualified by influence of culture

Anthropology �Views of gender in 21 st-century America clarified by viewing how other cultures

Anthropology �Views of gender in 21 st-century America clarified by viewing how other cultures express gender

Anthropology �Tahitian men – gentle �Aboriginal fathers – no say in daughters’ marriages �Samoan

Anthropology �Tahitian men – gentle �Aboriginal fathers – no say in daughters’ marriages �Samoan males – tattoos ◦ http: //www. museum. upenn. edu /new/exhibits/online_exhibits/b ody_modification/bodmodtattoo. shtml

Anthropology �Mbuti – don’t discriminate �Mukogodo – higher value on females �Orango Island –

Anthropology �Mbuti – don’t discriminate �Mukogodo – higher value on females �Orango Island – women choose mates �Dominican Republic – some males born with underdeveloped organs

Anthropology �Many Native American groups had matrilineal systems ◦ Not necessarily matriarchal �Viewed women

Anthropology �Many Native American groups had matrilineal systems ◦ Not necessarily matriarchal �Viewed women as relatively autonomous �Created category of two spirit

Anthropology �Kruje – gender swapping solution for families without males

Anthropology �Kruje – gender swapping solution for families without males

Symbolic Interactionism �Through communication with others we learn who we are �As parents interact

Symbolic Interactionism �Through communication with others we learn who we are �As parents interact with children then tell them who they are �Each label offers child self-image �Children internalize views to arrive at understanding

Symbolic Interactionism �Views of gender communicated ◦ Through parents’ responses ◦ Play activities with

Symbolic Interactionism �Views of gender communicated ◦ Through parents’ responses ◦ Play activities with peers ◦ Through interaction with teachers

Symbolic Interactionism �Role = set of expected behaviors and values associated with them ◦

Symbolic Interactionism �Role = set of expected behaviors and values associated with them ◦ External to individuals ◦ Roles assigned by society

Symbolic Interactionism �One primary way to classify social life – gender roles ◦ Women

Symbolic Interactionism �One primary way to classify social life – gender roles ◦ Women as caretakers ◦ Women represented in service and clerical jobs ◦ Men as breadwinners ◦ Men seen as leaders

Symbolic Interactionism �Role is internalized �Learn different roles for men and women ◦ Learn

Symbolic Interactionism �Role is internalized �Learn different roles for men and women ◦ Learn unequal values assigned to them

Critical Theories �Direct attention to structures by which societies classify people �Interested in how

Critical Theories �Direct attention to structures by which societies classify people �Interested in how dominant groups privilege own interests and impose on less powerful �Understand how oppressed groups can become empowered

Standpoint Theory �Societies are made of different groups that are organized in social hierarchy

Standpoint Theory �Societies are made of different groups that are organized in social hierarchy �Membership in groups shape what individuals experience

Standpoint Theory �Dates back to writings of Hegel and Marx �Nature of slavery perceived

Standpoint Theory �Dates back to writings of Hegel and Marx �Nature of slavery perceived different if master or if slave �Where power relationships exist, no single perspective �Work we do shapes our identity �All views partial

Standpoint Theory �Social location is not standpoint �Standpoint earned through critical reflection and engaging

Standpoint Theory �Social location is not standpoint �Standpoint earned through critical reflection and engaging in struggle

Standpoint Theory �Powerful have vested interest in preserving their place �Views may be more

Standpoint Theory �Powerful have vested interest in preserving their place �Views may be more distorted �Unlikely to develop oppositional politics

Standpoint Theory �Subordinate groups may have fuller understandings �Have to understand both perspectives �May

Standpoint Theory �Subordinate groups may have fuller understandings �Have to understand both perspectives �May see world with less bias

Standpoint Theory �Marginalized perspectives can inform all about how society operates �Understandings of women

Standpoint Theory �Marginalized perspectives can inform all about how society operates �Understandings of women and men based on location in socially constructed groups

Standpoint Theory �Demands of role lead mothers to develop maternal thinking ◦ Arises out

Standpoint Theory �Demands of role lead mothers to develop maternal thinking ◦ Arises out of location in domestic settings �Men who are primary caregivers ◦ More nurturing and expressive

Standpoint Theory �Biological influences called into question �Men with higher SES do not display

Standpoint Theory �Biological influences called into question �Men with higher SES do not display destructive aggression

Standpoint Theory �Can earn or develop multiple standpoints that overlap and interact �Possibility of

Standpoint Theory �Can earn or develop multiple standpoints that overlap and interact �Possibility of developing different standpoints that reflect political awareness

Queer Theory �Critique of conventional categories of identity and culture views of normal and

Queer Theory �Critique of conventional categories of identity and culture views of normal and abnormal �Queer does not refer only to gays and lesbians ◦ Refers to anything that departs from what society considers normal

Queer Theory �Arose from gay and lesbian studies �Initial focus – heteronormativity �Implications for

Queer Theory �Arose from gay and lesbian studies �Initial focus – heteronormativity �Implications for understandings of sexuality �Aims to enlarge appreciation of range of identities

Queer Theory �Not useful to use terms like women, gay, straight �Essentialize by focusing

Queer Theory �Not useful to use terms like women, gay, straight �Essentialize by focusing on only one aspect of person �Erase variation among those in categories

Queer Theory �Assumes identities are not fixed – Relatively fluid �Means more than being

Queer Theory �Assumes identities are not fixed – Relatively fluid �Means more than being able to switch from one sex or gender to the other

Performative Theory �Through performance humans generate identity �Gender comes into being only as expressed

Performative Theory �Through performance humans generate identity �Gender comes into being only as expressed �Gender is something we do at specific times �Gender as verb, not noun

Performative Theory �We express conventional gender through everyday practices �We resist conventional views of

Performative Theory �We express conventional gender through everyday practices �We resist conventional views of gender if act in ways that are inconsistent �Performances are collaborative

Performative Theory �Queer performative theories integrate views of queer and performative theory �Important are

Performative Theory �Queer performative theories integrate views of queer and performative theory �Important are performances that are routine �Political tools that unsettle

Theories Working Together �The theories discussed in this chapter work together to explain ◦

Theories Working Together �The theories discussed in this chapter work together to explain ◦ Gender differences ◦ Sex differences