PS275 Chapter Notes - Chapter 14: Social Learning Theory, Gender Role, Phallic Stage
Document Summary
Theories of gender typing and gender role development. Natural selection and different evolutionary pressures conspired to create fundamental differences between males and females that determined gender divisions of labour. To successfully raise children women evolved in ways that would make them kind, gentle, and nurturing. Men would become more competitive, assertive and aggressive to increase their chances of attracting mates and procuring resources. Does not explain why a boy treated like a girl from birth would come to adopt female identity. Timing of puberty effect: people who reach puberty late perform better on visual/spatial tasks than those who mature early because slow maturation promotes increasing specialization of brain"s right hemisphere, which serves spatial functions. Early exposure to male hormones may have masculinzing effect on a female fetus" brain. Social labelling influnces can modify or reserve biological predispositions. There is a critical period between 18 months and 3 years of age for the establishment of gender identity.
