OTHER APPROACHES:The Humanistic Approach, Cultural Influences

Gender Issues In Psychology (PSY - 512)

Lecture 13

OTHER APPROACHES

The Humanistic Approach

This approach is based on Roger's theory that does not directly explain the process of gender role development

Ideal self and conditional positive regard are the main concepts in this regard. Roger's theory

In the process of gender development conditional positive regard can be seen as a set of expectations for

gender roles, and ideal self can be understood as gender appropriate behavior

To achieve positive regard gender appropriate behavior becomes an ideal self for an individual

Like boys are told that cooking is for girls, in the same way we can portray cultural stereotype as conditional

positive regard for individuals and to achieve this regard he/she develop concept of ideal self that results in

his/her gender appropriate behavior

This approach not directly explains the process of gender development so no research data is found from this

perspective

Cultural Influences

Technological advanced have affected the societies in following ways: Women are transferred to the less

influential social sphere of home Men are associated with the public sphere of politics, economy, etc. Women

are fighting for becoming independent Archeology. Feminine role is defined as subordinate to the masculine

role In non-industrialized countries males are considered self-reliant and achievers. Women are regarded as

nurturing, responsible, and obedient. The Western stereotypes for men and women are:

Men to be instrumental (assertive, competitive, independent)

Women to be expressive (co-operative, supportive, sensitive)

Some Gender Role Stereotypes

Male Attributes

Acts as a leader

Aggressive

Ambitious

Dominant

Forceful

Independent

Female Attributes

Compassionate

Gentle

Loves children

Sensitive to needs of others

Tender

Understanding

Conclusion

Development of gender-roles is a positive factor for socialization and adjustment process of an individual.

There are also some cultural differences, though the stereotypes of females being nurturing and males being

instrumental are very widespread across culture. Gender differences may be accounted for by a range of

biological, social, and cognitive factors.

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