The Psychology of Gender 4th Edition

64 Chapter 2

difficulties with assertion, and uncertainty about how to

behave in traditionally masculine settings.

■ The nature of gender-role strain differs across race, eth-

nicity, and culture.

■ Gender-role strain among men includes homophobia,

competitiveness, emotional inhibition, aggression, and

a reluctance to seek help.

■ Gender-role strain among women, less studied, includes

fear of physical unattractiveness, fear of victimization,

TABLE 2.7 KEY FEATURES OF EACH HISTORICAL PERIOD

1894–1936 1936–1954 1954–1982 1982 to date

Themes Show men are

more intelligent

than women

Introduction of

gender-role

concept

Instrumental-

expressive

distinction

Masculine

personality =

agency

Feminine

personality =

communion

Gender-role = sex

differences

Sex-typing Gender roles are

multifaceted

Masculine/

feminine bipolar

Consider social

context

Homosexuality =

feminine

Role strain

Key figures Terman & Miles Terman & Miles

Franck & Rosen

Maccoby,

Parson & Bales,

Bem, Spence

Spence, Deaux &

Major, Pleck

Measures 456-Item Attitude

Interest Analysis

Survey

Bem Sex Role

Inventory

Male Role Norms

Inventory

Projective tests Personal Attributes

Questionnaire (and

Extended Version)

Conclusions No sex difference

in intelligence

Masculine men

and feminine

women are

healthy

Androgynous

healthy

Norms associated

with gender roles

are associated

with strain

Summary

In the first half of the chapter, the scientific

method that is used to study gender was

reviewed. The scientific method rests

on empiricism; it includes the collection

of data that are then used to make

statements, develop theories, and generate

hypotheses. The correlational method, the

experimental method, and field experiments

were presented. The advantage of the

experimental method is internal validity, and

the advantage of the correlational method is

external validity. The importance of random

selection and random assignment was

explained. I also described the differences

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