Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
gendered lives
Chapter Two:
Theoretical Approaches to
Gender Development
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
1
“There is nothing so practical
as good theory.”
~ Kurt Lewin
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
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
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
Biological Theories of Gender
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
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
Biological Theories of Gender
• Chromosomal
• Hormonal Influences
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
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
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
Biological Theories of Gender
• Chromosomal
• Hormonal Influences
• Brain Structure and Development
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Men and Women Use Both Lobes of the Brain, However. . .
Men generally
have greater
development of
the left lobe.
 main
language
center
 spatial
recognition
 analytic
thought
 holistic
thought
 sequential
information
processing
Corpus callosum
is composed of
nerves and
tissues that link
the lobes of the
brain.
 mathematical
abilities
nonverbal
processing
 musical
ability
Corpus Callosum
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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.
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
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
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
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
Cultural Theories of Gender
• Anthropology - Examples from Afar
• Symbolic Interactionism - G.H. Mead
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Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
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
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
View the following video clip and discuss it
based on the material in this chapter.
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18
Chapter Two: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
gendered lives
Copyright © 2005 Wadsworth
19