Sex and Gender

• What is the definition of sex?

  Physiological status, male or female
• What is the definition of gender?

  Psychological status, masculine or feminine
• How does gender identity typically align with biological sex?

  Usually aligns, but not always
• What is gender dysphoria?

  When an individual feels their gender identity differs from biological sex
• What are sex role stereotypes?

  Views of 'normal' behavior for genders
• How can sex role stereotypes affect individuals?

  They can pressure individuals to behave in unacceptable ways
• What are common stereotypes of male and female behaviors?

  • Males: Dominant, Aggressive, Independent, Rational, Masculine, Active
  • Females: Passive, Nurturing, Dependent, Emotional, Feminine, Submissive
• How do sex role stereotypes influence education choices?

  Girls choose art, boys choose science subjects
• What did Smith & Lloyd (1978) find about gender role stereotypes?

  Women displayed nurturing behavior with dolls
• What did Williams (1988) discover about children in single-parent families?

  They adapt to non-traditional gender roles
• How do same-sex families influence gender stereotypes?

  They show less conformity to traditional roles
• What did Mead (1935) find about gender roles in different cultures?

  Gender roles differ significantly between cultures
• What is a limitation of using sex-role stereotypes in research?

  They are socially and culturally specific
• How can gender stereotypes affect girls and boys differently?

  Girls may feel pressured to be sensitive, boys to be strong
• What is a criticism of theories promoting sex-role stereotypes?

  They can be socially insensitive and promote stereotypes
• What is the role of nurture in gender differences?

  Nurture influences but doesn't account for all differences
• How does social learning theory relate to gender identity?

  It promotes the use of sex-role stereotypes
• What is cognitive schema theory's stance on gender identity?

  It can be criticized for promoting gender stereotypes