Exam 2: Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development

Identify the following: -Symbolic interaction theory

Most researchers agree that biological influences on gender are substantially edited by environmental factors.

Cultural theories can correctly explain more aspects of gender than any other theories.

Biological theory suggests that men and women's brains are formed and develop differently,resulting in different behaviors and characteristics.

Theories of gender affect our thoughts and our behaviors.

What is the goal of queer gender performances? Give a specific example of a queer gender performance you could do.

At age 3,Bonnie realizes she is female and she wants to become skilled at being a girl.She begins to watch her mother and older sister and to model her behaviors after theirs.Bonnie's efforts to learn how to act feminine are best explained by which theory?

Queer theory states that identity categories are limiting and meaningless.

Performative theory says that gender is not real but is just an act we perform.

Men and women have hormonal cycles that can affect their behavior.

Identify the following: -Psychodynamic theory

Four-year-old Caroline and seven-year-old Jenny are sisters who live and have been raised in the United States.Jenny plays a game in which she is a mother and her stuffed animals are her children.Jenny hugs them and pretends to carefully feed them.Later,young Caroline repeats the same hugging and feeding behaviors with her dolls.Caroline's mother sees this and states,"Caroline,someday you'll be a good mommy." How would anthropological theory of gender explain Caroline's behaviors? How would cognitive development theory explain Caroline's behaviors? Make sure you address "maternal instinct" in your answer.