1. List several qualities and/or roles our society would typically associate wit

Question

1. List several qualities and/or roles our society would typically associate with women/femininity and men/masculinity. Which do you believe to be more restrictive – male stereotypic gender roles or female stereotypic gender roles? How do gender roles relate to human sexuality (gender specific norms for sexual attitudes and behavior, effect of gender roles on sexual relationships, etc.)? Which does American society attempt to control more, male or female sexuality?

2. What is gender identity and how does it differ from gender roles and sexual orientation? Describe the biological and environmental factors that influence development of gender identity. Compare/contrast how learning theory, cognitive-developmental theory, and Freudian theory explain the development of gender identity.

3. Discuss sexual prejudice in regard to sexual orientation, and why it is directed more at homosexual men than at lesbian women. Images and messages within every day life may contribute to people’s beliefs regarding sexual orientation. For example, consider why few people are threatened by girls dancing together in junior high or early high school, or by girls holding hands, but the same is not true for boys. Another example is to examine why sexually explicit magazines for men often show lesbian sex scenes if so many men claim to have negative attitudes about homosexuality. How might society's expectations of gender roles and acceptance of crossing gender role boundaries relate to the development of sexual prejudice specifically targeted at sexual orientation? How do these messages affect one's development of sexual identity and their attitudes about sexual orientation?

Explanation / Answer

1) The qualities associated with gender are normally cultural norms followed in the society. The masculine characteristics or qualities as perceived by the society are strength, aggression and dominance. Female roles are generally associated with passivity, nurturing and subordination. Female stereotypic gender roles are more restrictive. Gender roles affect sexuality as both men and women strive to meet the accepted social norms and behaviour for their gender. I think the American society attempts to control more the female sexuality.

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