Chapter 14 Flashcards
Women and Older Adulthood (16 cards)
What is gender identity and when does it develop?
Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else. It usually forms by age 2–3.
How do parents influence gender roles in early childhood?
Through toys, clothes, activities, and reinforcement of “gender-appropriate” behavior (e.g., dolls for girls, trucks for boys).
What is gender typing?
The process by which children learn cultural expectations for their gender.
How does school affect gender development?
Teachers may give more attention to boys and expect girls to be quiet and helpful, reinforcing gender stereotypes.
What is self-esteem like for girls in middle childhood?
Girls’ self-esteem often starts high but can begin to decline due to appearance concerns and peer comparison.
What’s the “double standard” in classroom behavior?
Boys are often excused for misbehavior, while girls are expected to behave and be nurturing.
What are some challenges for adolescent girls?
body image issues, sexualization, pressure to conform to femininity, and navigating independence vs. societal expectations.
What is objectification theory?
A theory suggesting girls are taught to view their bodies as objects for others, leading to self-consciousness and mental health problems.
What’s gender intensification?
The pressure in adolescence to act in more traditionally “feminine” or “masculine” ways.
What key life transitions happen during emerging adulthood?
Leaving home, starting work or university, forming romantic relationships, and developing adult identity.
How does gender affect career choices?
Young women are more likely to choose lower-paying “helping” professions and are influenced by gender stereotypes.
What are some mental health concerns in this stage?
Anxiety, depression, and stress, especially in women navigating high expectations and limited support.
How are older women portrayed in society?
Often invisible or stereotyped as frail, grandmotherly, or irrelevant — unlike older men, who are seen as wise or powerful.
What is ageism?
Discrimination based on age, which intersects with sexism in older women (called “gendered ageism”).
What are some issues older women face?
Loneliness, caregiving burden, financial insecurity, and lack of representation in media and policy.
What is intersectionality and how does it affect lifespan development?
Intersectionality looks at how gender, race, class, sexuality, and other identities combine to influence life experiences — e.g., a Black woman may face different challenges than a White woman at the same age.
