PSYC 2700 Chapter 15: Gender Development

• School: University of Virginia
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 2700
• Professor: Lillard Angeline

Document Summary

Assertion = one"s attempts to exert influence over the environment. Collaboration = blending between assertion and affiliation. Gender typing = process of gender socialization and development. Biological differences include influence of sex hormones and brain hormones. Cognition and motivation to learn gender-typed roles through observation. Cultural factors through the media, teachers, family, peers. Behavioral tendencies arose because the helped humans survive through the course of evolution. Boys are more physically active and competitive. Girls have more social relations, spend more time with others, and avoid conflict. Critics say this theory cannot be tested, is very circular. Places emphasis on on potential for behavioral flexibility while also acknowledging impact of evolution. Men have greater average size, strength, and foot speed. Androgens = class of steroid hormones, such as testosterone. In their presence in the womb, male genitals form. Organizing influences = sex-linked hormones affect brain differentiation and organization. Activating influences = fluctuations in sex-hormone levels affect brain and behavioral response.