THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL INFLUENCES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL GENDER IDENTITY

In the previous section of this chapter we talked about biological sex differences; note that here we switch the focus to psychological variables or gender identity. As we noted earlier, gender is culturally based and socially constructed out of psychological characteristics; it also contains such things as attitudes and beliefs, sexual orientation, and perceptions of appropriate roles for women and men in society.

Learning to Be Girls and Boys

The development of gender understanding in young children is fascinating because children sometimes believe gender to be changeable (Devor, 1992). (Ah, the wisdom of children.) They see gender not as being based on anatomy, but as a role that can be changed much like changing a hairstyle. As children start to understand themselves as individuals separate from others, they begin to understand that others see them and respond to them as people of a particular sex. Theories have been generated to explain this identity development process or how one becomes "gendered." We summarize some of the more prominent theories, then explore the connection between gender identity and gender communication.

Social Learning Theory

Social psychologists Walter Mischel (1966) and Albert Bandura (1971, 1986) are noted for their research on social learning theory as an explanation for human development. This theory suggests that children learn gender-related behavior from their social contacts, primarily their parents and peers. Children model the thoughts, emotions, and actions of others. This role modeling has a powerful effect on how children see themselves, how they form gender identities.

A related practice involves a sort of trial-and-error method. Parents, teachers, peers, and other agents of socialization reward some behaviors in little girls and boys; the same behaviors enacted by the opposite sex are punished. As children continue to receive positive and negative responses to their behaviors, they generalize to other situations and come to develop identities as girls or boys (Lippa, 2002; Peach, 1998).

One problem with this theory is the suggestion that children develop according to gender stereotypes; some theories consider this idea a limited or confining view of human development. For example, what if a little girl rejects stereotypical girlish behavior because she likes the status or acceptance she sees little boys receiving? She might be labeled a tomboy, perhaps gaining her some acceptance, but also occasional ridicule. If she patterns her behavior after same-sex models, it is possible that she will not receive the respect, power, and status that she wants. If a little boy is surrounded predominantly by models of the other sex, like his mother and most of his preschool and elementary school teachers, what happens if he closely follows their behavior? These examples illustrate what some consider to be a weakness in the theory-its emphasis on gender stereotypes as guides for behavior and identity development.

However, we know that our sense of identity is affected by how we imitate or learn from our parents. Think about whom you modeled your behavior after; was it your mom or your dad, or was it both? Did you pattern more after a same-sex parent or an opposite-sex parent? Maybe an important model for you when you were growing up was a sibling, a grandparent, or some other significant person. Maybe you didn't grow up with two parents. As our culture continues to diversify, the number of single-parent families is growing. If you've experienced this family profile, what effect do you think the focus on one parent had on your notions about gender?

Perspectives on Gender Identity
This assignment challenges you to examine theoretical perspectives about gender identity and compare them to your own gender identity development. You will use your personal experiences to answer questions about identity and explore any related conflicts or affirmations as to whether you agree or disagree with the accuracy of the theory you picked.

Using the Argosy University online library resources and the Internet, research theories of gender development (such as Social Learning Theory, Cognitive Development Theory, Gender Schema Theory, Gilligan's Gender Identity Theory, and Gender Transcendence) and current perspectives on the role of nature and nurture in gender identity development that might help explain your own gender identity development. Answer the following questions.USE SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

• Describe the gender theory that you picked.

• Analyze the accuracy of the interpretation of the theory and how it relates to you-do you fit the mold? I'll change or fill in blanks. I'm 51, female, Caucasian, grew up in US

• Explain how gender identity may have changed in the past 2-3 generations (i.e., your parents and grandparents) with changing dynamics in family (divorce, single parents, women in the workforce, Title IX, etc.). My parents divorced at 9 yrs old, remarried, worked

• Reflect on how your gender identity impacts the way you communicate with those of the same gender, different gender, etc.
3 or 4 pages, Include a reference page in APA format of your research resources.