PSY 211 Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is feminine psychology?
Feminine psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on understanding the experiences, behaviors, and mental processes specific to women and girls. It examines how social, cultural, and biological factors uniquely impact women, including issues like identity, gender roles, relationships, and mental health.
How did feminine psychology emerge?
Feminine psychology emerged in the early 20th century as a critique of male-centered views in traditional psychology, particularly those espoused by Freud. Early pioneers, like Karen Horney, challenged notions such as “penis envy” by emphasizing the influence of social and cultural factors on women’s psychology. Horney introduced the concept of “womb envy” to highlight men’s feelings of inferiority regarding women’s reproductive capabilities.
What is gender conformity?
Gender conformity refers to the extent to which an individual’s behaviors, appearance, interests, and roles align with society’s expectations for their gender. These expectations are typically based on traditional views of masculinity and femininity. (Insert example) When someone conforms to these expectations, they are said to display gender conformity.
What is gender identity?
Gender identity is a person’s deeply felt sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is an internal experience of being male, female, a blend of both, neither, or something else entirely.
What is gender expression?
Gender expression refers to the external presentation of an individual’s gender identity through behaviors, clothing, hairstyles, voice, and other forms of personal expression. It encompasses how individuals communicate their gender to the world and can include a wide range of characteristics, such as adopting traditionally masculine, feminine, or androgynous styles.
Use of empirical research in the psychology of women
Empirical research in the psychology of women helps identify patterns in women’s experiences and behaviour and is used in policy making on issues such as gender bias, discrimination, gender based violence, and workplace challenges, allowing us to develop more effective interventions tailored to women’s needs.
Differentiate between sex and gender
Sex refers to the biological and physical characteristics assigned from birth, that define males and females. These characteristics include reproductive organs, chromosomes (XX for females, XY for males), and hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Gender on the other hand refers to the roles, behaviours, expectations, and identities that societies and cultures attribute to individuals. It is a social and cultural construct and can vary across different societies and over time. In short, sex is biological while gender is a broader concept related to identity, expression, and societal roles.
What are gender roles?
Gender roles are the societal expectations, behaviors, and responsibilities that a culture assigns to individuals based on their perceived gender.
What is gender inequality?
Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment or perception of individuals based on their gender. It arises from deeply rooted societal norms, traditions, and power structures that favor one gender over another, often disadvantaging women and marginalized gender groups.
Why do we have gender inequality?
Gender inequality exists because of long-standing societal structures that favor men over women in power, opportunities, and decision-making. Patriarchy, cultural traditions, religion, and economic barriers all contribute to this imbalance. Women often face discrimination in education, employment, wages, and leadership roles, making it harder for them to achieve financial independence. Gender stereotypes reinforce the idea that men should lead while women should focus on caregiving, limiting women’s opportunities. Weak legal protections and misinterpretations of religious teachings further sustain inequality. To address this, societies must promote equal access to education, economic opportunities, and leadership while challenging harmful norms and enforcing stronger laws against discrimination.
Results from PRC on feminine psychology, motherhood, and career development
- Feminine Psychology
The study highlights the psychological conflict many women experience when balancing career and motherhood. With 42% believing part-time work is ideal and another 42% preferring stay-at-home motherhood, it’s clear that societal expectations still pressure women to prioritize family over their careers. However, the fact that working mothers rated themselves higher as parents suggests that many women find fulfillment and confidence in balancing both roles, countering the traditional belief that career success comes at the cost of good parenting.
- Motherhood
The research shows divided public opinions on the best role for mothers. While many still expect mothers to stay at home or work part-time, the study also reveals that working mothers do not necessarily feel they are failing as parents. This challenges old stereotypes that suggest working mothers are neglecting their children. However, the data also suggests that some parents, particularly fathers, struggle with balancing work and childcare, which may indicate that caregiving responsibilities are still seen as primarily a woman’s role.
- Career Development
The fact that only 16% believe full-time work is ideal for mothers reflects ongoing gender biases in the workplace. Despite more women pursuing careers, societal attitudes still suggest that women should work less or adjust their ambitions for family life. Meanwhile, the struggles of fathers balancing work and parenting suggest that modern family roles are evolving, but the burden of childcare still falls more on women.
Overall Conclusion
The PRC study shows that traditional gender roles still influence public opinion, but women are redefining their roles in both work and family life. The higher self-rating of working mothers suggests that employment can enhance women’s confidence and sense of accomplishment, rather than diminishing their ability to parent effectively. However, the fact that fathers also find it hard to balance work and childcare suggests that greater workplace flexibility and societal shifts are needed to support both parents in sharing responsibilities.
Legal frameworks put in place to protect African women
Several legal frameworks protect African women’s rights, including the Maputo Protocol (2003), which promotes reproductive rights, political participation, and protection from gender-based violence; the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981), which guarantees fundamental freedoms, including gender equality; and CEDAW (1979), a UN treaty that many African nations have ratified to combat discrimination against women. Additionally, national laws like Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and South Africa’s Domestic Violence Act address domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and harmful traditional practices.
These frameworks have led to progress, such as increased awareness, legal reforms banning practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), and greater female representation in politics and leadership. However, challenges remain, including weak enforcement, cultural resistance, economic and educational barriers, and persistent gender-based violence.
To improve effectiveness, African nations need to strengthen law enforcement, increase education and awareness, implement policies that empower women economically, and foster greater political commitment to gender equality.
Dr. Stuart’s opinion on motherhood and career
Dr. Jennifer Stuart’s research suggests that a woman’s ability to balance work and family life is influenced by her past, particularly her relationship with her mother. Women whose mothers provided both emotional warmth and encouraged independence are more likely to enjoy both work and family because they can adapt their environments to support both, rather than feeling forced to choose one over the other.
However, she also emphasizes that access to affordable and reliable childcare is essential for working mothers. Without it, maintaining a career while raising children becomes much more challenging, regardless of personal upbringing or motivation.
Explain the results from the Pew Research Center on women and career
The Pew Research Center conducted a study on gender psychology and public opinions about women’s roles in the workplace and at home. The findings show a divide in opinions on the ideal work situation for mothers: 42% believe part-time work is best, another 42% think mothers should stay at home, and only 16% support full-time work for mothers.
The study also highlights challenges faced by working fathers, with 15% saying it is very difficult to balance work and childcare, while 50% find it somewhat difficult. The results suggest ongoing societal debates about gender roles, work-life balance, and parenting confidence.
