The Study of Gender

Chapter 1

Chapter OverviewI. QuizII. The Humanist ManifestoIII. The Study of Gender

A. ViewsB. History of the Study of Sex Differences in

psychology C. 1960’s: Development of Women's Studies

(1960’s)D. The Men’s MovementE. Sex or Gender?F. Should Psychologists Study Gender?G. Considering Diversity

IV. Directed Free Writing. V. Homework• Movie

1. We call men and women “the opposite sex” because men and women are very different from each other.

False

2. Most research about men and women looks for similarities between the two groups.

False

3. Women are natural nurturers.

Not necessarily.

Written exercise:1. What do you believe?

2. What are your basic values? (List at least three)

3. What do you use as your standard for your personal morals?

4. Most differences between male behavior and female behavior are biologically based.

We’re not sure.

5. The terms “sex” and “gender” mean about the same thing.

False

6. Some feminists advocate moving toward an acceptance and appreciation of traditionally feminine values.

True

7. The father of psychology is Sigmund Freud.

False

8. Up until the 1960’s, women were assumed to be inferior to men.

True

9. Most women and men support the “Women’s Movement.”

True

10. There is a “Men’s Movement” similar to the “Women’s Movement.”

True

II. The Humanist manifestoAs in 1933, humanists still believe that traditional theism, especially faith in the prayer-hearing God, assumed to live and care for persons, to hear and understand their prayers, and to be able to do something about them, is an unproved and outmoded faith. Salvationism, based on mere affirmation, still appears as harmful, diverting people with false hopes of heaven hereafter. Reasonable minds look to other means for survival.

III. The Study of Gender

A. Views

1. Essentialist (Evolutionary psychology) vs. biosocial views

2. Minimalist view

3. Maximalist view

1.Structuralism

2. Functionalism

3. Behaviorism

4. Psychoanalysis

c. “Gender” Psychologists’ Goal: to clarify the difference between biologically determined (nature) and socially determined (nurture) differences.

D. 1960’s: Development of Women's Studies

1. Types of Feminists:a. Liberal: extending women’s rightsb. Radical: oppression of women c. Cultural: women’s unique, valuable point

of view. 2. Changes in psychology and other fields

a. more research on women b. decrease sexist bias in research. c. Division 35, Psychology of Women

established (later changed to the Society for the Psychology of Women).

E. Men's Movement

1. The feminist movement’s influence

2. Division 51 of APA, the Society for the Psychological Study of Men and Masculinity, (1995).

F. SEX OR GENDER?

1. “Sex differences” implies biological basis for differences.

2. “Gender differences” includes traits and behaviors socially appropriate for men and women.

Psychologists should study gender.

Y.J.U.:

G. The textbook’s conclusions.

1. Pro: expand and focus on gender research.

2. Con: a concentration on gender exaggerates differences.

H. CONSIDERING DIVERSITY

A. Dramatic Reading: “When I Look in the Mirror,” p. 13

B. “A Girl Like Me”(U-Tube Clip)

B. 1980s => a more inclusive psychology

IV. Directed Free Writing Consider the possibility of waking

up tomorrow and discovering that you were no longer the same sex or race or both. What changes in your beliefs, behavior, aspirations, and preferences would you have to make?

V. Homework (see handout packet).

VI. Tootsie