Deck 15: Section 1: Gender Development

Question 1

Describe the two tendencies that, according to gender schema theory, help to perpetuate gender stereotypes that have little or no basis in reality. Then, think of a gender stereotype that appears to have little or no basis in reality and explain how these two tendencies may play a role in its perpetuation.

Answer 1

Not Answer

Question 2

Identify and explain three criticisms of Kohlberg's cognitive developmental theory of gender-role development. Using the information in the text about gender development, make an argument for the truth or falsity of these criticisms. Be specific, and provide supportive examples.

Answer 2

Not Answer

Question 3

Describe the two mechanisms through which social identity theory proposes that children's gender is socialized. For each mechanism, provide two examples of ways girls and boys may behave differently as a result.

Answer 3

Not Answer

Question 4

Using the model of self-socialization proposed by gender schema theory, outline how children choose among the array of objects and activities available to them, and how those choices influence their knowledge. Give a specific example of one such choice and explain how the gender schema theory would explain that choice.

Question 5

A friend says that her son and daughter are entirely different from each other. Her son likes to play in the dirt, play with trucks, and build elaborate towers out of blocks. Her daughter likes to play dress up, pretend she is feeding her dolls, and loves ballet. The friend insists that she has always treated her two children exactly the same. Would you agree or disagree with your friend's analysis? Describe three things you would tell your friend, and identify what theoretical perspective would be most informative in this conversation.

Question 6

Describe the stages of Kohlberg's cognitive developmental theory of gender-role development. What questions could one ask a child to determine at what stage his or her current level of knowledge is? What types of mistakes do children make in the first two stages, before they have achieved the final stage?

Question 7

Has what you have learned in this chapter about parents' role in gender socialization influenced your thoughts on how you might want to behave toward your own children? If so, how? If not, why not?

Question 8

Describe the development of children's understanding of gender discrimination. What factors are involved in this understanding? Why might children's beliefs about gender discrimination not align with their behaviour?

Question 9

Describe the process by which cognitive and motivational influences might influence gender differences in aggression. Provide at least two examples.

Question 10

Describe the evolutionary psychological perspective on gender differences. Provide an example of a gender difference that is addressed by this perspective and how it is explained. What do you think about the evolutionary psychological perspective? Describe one aspect of it with which you agree and one aspect with which you disagree. Explain your perspective on these in detail.

Question 11

Describe the processes of self-socialization and parent socialization of gender-appropriate behaviour. Give three examples of each.

Question 12

Describe two similarities and two differences between the process of gender development as proposed by gender schema theory and as proposed by social identity theory.

Question 13

Why do you think parents are more flexible with their daughters' gender roles than with those of their sons? Provide supportive examples.

Question 14

Describe one gender difference that you have noticed among your friends. Identify three theoretical perspectives that you think could explain this gender difference, and describe what these perspectives would have to say about it.

Question 15

Design an intervention aimed at reducing gender stereotypes. What would that intervention look like, what would its goal(s) be, and how would one measure success? Explain what theory or perspective most informs the intervention design and how that perspective informs the design.

Question 16

Describe the extent to which members of each gender are gender typed and the extent to which society allows individuals of the two genders to stray from their gender type. Specifically, are males and females allowed to diverge from their gender type to the same extent? Provide supportive evidence. Why does society have these degrees of allowance for the two genders?

Question 17

Of the four cognitive theories of gender development discussed in the text, which one do you think explains the widest variety of gender differences? Describe the processes or components proposed by the theory that you think contribute to its superiority. Illustrate your point using a gender difference that is explained well by this theory, but that is not explained well by the other theories.

Question 18

Give two examples of ways that girls and boys may elicit differential treatment from their parents. Can this entirely explain why parents differentially treat their sons and daughters? Why or why not? Be specific.

Question 19

How are nature, nurture, and the interaction between nature and nurture involved in the differences between the intelligence of males and females? Be sure to provide specific examples of each influence that is involved.

Question 20

Describe your position on parental socialization of gender differences. First, what role do you believe parents play in the development of gender differences? Second, do you believe parents should try to minimize their gender socialization, or do you believe that this socialization is necessary for children to succeed as members of society? Be sure to give a thorough explanation of your position, and provide supportive examples.

Question 21

How are nature, nurture, and the interaction between nature and nurture involved in the differences between the prosocial behaviour and antisocial behaviour of boys and girls? Be sure to provide specific examples of each influence that is involved.