What was “Gender Neutrality?” Was this a legitimate theory to explore? 2. Which factors contributed to the decision to raise Bruce as “Brenda?” Which factors had the most influence? 3. Even if “Brenda” accepted her new identity, what kind of social/emotional/physical issues would she potentially face as she grew older? 4. Should Dr. Money be held responsible for the death of David or his brother? Justify. 5. Would you have responded the same way “Brenda” did when her father explained that she was born a healthy boy? Explain.

Nature of Gender Gender is influenced biologically Sex Chromosomes Sex Hormones Genes activate your sex at about 7 weeks Y chromosome throws a master switch triggering testes to develop Hormones bathe the brain at about 4-5 months

Nurture Gender Roles Set of expectations As society assigns us a gender (social category) it leads to a strong gender identity Inner sense of being either male or female

Social Learning Theory Children are more likely to imitate models who are important to them e.g: (parents, older siblings) Observing behavior of people such as parents and teachers e.g (washing dishes). Observing the consequences of same sex behaviors (rewarded or punished)

Gender Schema Theory Schema’s are based on life experiences Children learn from their culture what it means to be male/female Children adjust their own behavior according To gender norms/expectations Internalized gender lens influences their self identity David G. Myers writes that "one's concept of maleness and femaleness influences one's perceptions and behavior"

GENDER AND SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS Mistake to believe that men and women differ in their friendship needs Everyone has a need to feel connected, supported, cared for How men and women get these needs met is different "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival." - C. S. Lewis 27

MEN AND FRIENDSHIPS Men tend to share activities and interests Begin talking about external matters Sports, work, politics, cars Less likely to talk about weakness and problems If they are brought up, men expect practical advice not sympathy 28

WOMEN AND FRIENDSHIPS More intimate and emotional Share secrets more than men Quicker to engage in “self-disclosing” talk Difficulties with health, romances, relatives Expect a sympathetic and attentive ear More physical touch than men 29

Lawrence Kohlberg Moral Development Moral action is guided by inner conscience I will do (or wont do) what I am supposed to do because I think ( or don’t think) it is the right thing to do. Follow the rules or laws Do what is expected Conformity Gain approval, avoid disapproval Self Interest Gain reward Avoid punishment

Problems with Kolhberg’s theory Cultural Bias- Western countries seem to progress to the Post Conventional level of reasoning more than Eastern. Sampling- Only white middle class boys interviewed. Not a good basis for universal concept. Stages- Need to progress without skipping/ regressing. Evidence to suggest we move up and down at different points in our lives.