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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Chapter Two:Chapter Two:
Theoretical Approaches to Theoretical Approaches to
Gender DevelopmentGender Development
gendered lives
“There is nothing so practical as good theory.”
~ Kurt Lewin
Copyright © 2004 Wadsworth
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
What is a Theory?
• A Way to Describe, Explain, and Predict
Relationships Among Phenomena
• We All Use Theories to Explain What
Happens Around Us
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
What Theories Are Relevant?
• Theories of Gender Development in
Women and Men
Biological
Interpersonal
Cultural
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Biological Theories of Gender
An initial attempt at explaining gender that focuses on biological characteristics that differentiate men and women.
An initial attempt at explaining gender that focuses on biological characteristics that differentiate men and women.
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Biological Theories of Gender
• Chromosomal - The X and the Y
• Genes for Intelligence on X
• Genes for Social Skills on X
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
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Biological Theories of Gender
• Chromosomal
• Hormonal Influences
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Biological Theories of Gender
• Testosterone the Primary Male Hormone
Has a Hormonal Cycle
Linked to Violence, Aggression, and Changes in
Cognitive Functioning
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Biological Theories of Gender
• Estrogen the Primary Female Hormone
Positive Influence on Cardiovascular Functioning
Strengthens the Immune System
Creates Greater Deposits of Fat Around the Hips
and Breasts
Slows Liver Processing of Alcohol
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
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Biological Theories of Gender
• Chromosomal
• Hormonal Influences
• Brain Structure and Development
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 WadsworthCorpus Callosum
mainmainlanguagelanguage
centercenter
analytic analytic thoughtthought
sequentialsequentialinformationinformationprocessingprocessing
mathematicalmathematicalabilitiesabilities
spatialspatialrecognition recognition
holisticholisticthoughtthought
nonverbal nonverbal processingprocessing
musicalmusicalabilityability
Men and Women Use Both Lobes of the Brain, However. . .
Men generally have greater development of the left lobe.
Women tend to specialize in the right lobe.
Women seem to have greater ability to use this muscle and switch from one side of the brain to the other.
Corpus callosum is composed of nerves and tissues that link the lobes of the brain.
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Interpersonal Theory of Gender Development
• Psychodynamic Theory
• Relationships Within the Family
• Role Modeling and Gender Identity
• Mothers and Daughters/Sons
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Interpersonal Theory of Gender Development
• Psychological Theory
• Social Learning Theory
• Observation and Experimentation
• Imitation
• Role Modeling of Parents and Others
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Interpersonal Theory of Gender Development
• Cognitive Development Theory
• Age 3 - Gender Constancy
• Children Play Active Role
• Motivated by Internal Desire
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Cultural Theories of Gender
• Anthropology - Examples from Afar
• Symbolic Interactionism - G.H. Mead
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Cultural Theories of Gender
• Roles for Women and Men
• Role is Set of Expected Behaviors
• Value Associated with Roles
• Gender Roles
• Internalization of Roles
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
Cultural Theories of Gender
• Standpoint Theory
• Social World Consists of Positions and
Hierarchies
• Gender Influences Positions and Hierarchies
• All Perspectives on Social Life are Limited,
Some More than Others
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
View the following video clip and discuss it based on the material in this chapter.
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
gendered lives