Theories of Gender and gender identity Development

1
Theories of Gender (and gender identity)
Development

• Biological or Social?

2
SOCIAL Theories

• Social Learning Theory
• Communication and Observation
• Imitation and Reinforcement
• Cognitive Development Theory
• We socialize ourselves desire gender competency
• 4 Stages
• Recognition
• Gender Constancy
• Sex Role Rule Identification and Imitation
• Male Separation

3
More Social Theories

• Gender Schema Theory
• Gender schema is a structure through which all
  other information is interpreted helps us
  understand the world.
• Gender Identity Theory
• Intimacy vs Separation

4
More Social Theories

• Gender Role Transcendence
• (Same as Cognitive Development Theory)
• 3rd Stage we transcend the norms for gender and
  come up w/what works for us.
• Standpoint Theory
• Our position/location in our culture shapes our
  gender development

5
Biological Theories

• Focus on biological characteristics that
  differentiate women/men
• Hormonal Activity Differences (estrogen/testostero
  ne)
• Brain Structure Development
• Men ? Left Brain (linear, analytical, logical)
• Women ? Right Brain (intuitive, artistic,
  imaginative)
• Corpus Callosum links the 2 brain lobes more
  developed in women