COURSE REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF NEW AVENUES FOR RESEARCH IN GENDER ISSUES

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Gender Issues In Psychology (PSY - 512)

Lesson 45

COURSE REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF NEW AVENUES FOR RESEARCH IN

GENDER ISSUES

Gender, psychopathology, and psychotherapy

Research has shown that there are no significance gender differences in mental illness as such

Any disorder may appear in anyone

However certain disorders are more common in men and certain others in women

Greater differences are found in terms of:

a) stress experienced as a result of dual roles and responsibilities

b) distress triggered by societal expectations about gender roles, especially about female gender role:

women trying to view self from the eyes of the society, and attempting to fit self into the mould

created by the traditional gender stereotypes and promotion of the same by the media

Course Review

About this course:

· This course will have a multi disciplinary approach.

· We will borrow and benefit from the knowledge and research evidence available in psychology as well

as other disciplines.

· The primary focus of the course will be gender issues. However psychology of women will be touched

upon more than issues specific to the psychology of men alone.

Goals of a course in Gender Issues in Psychology:

1. To develop an understanding of the difference between gender and sex.

2. To introduce a new approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes.

3. To give a flavor of the scope and content of study in other popular disciplines of the day, like Gender

Studies or Women Studies.

4. To familiarize the students with the impact of socio-cultural and psychological factors on the gender roles

and the status of gender in a given society.

5. To bring about a healthier and positive change in the students' thinking through knowledge of divergent

ways of thinking.

6. To develop an understanding of gender relations in the society.

7. To create an awareness of abilities, capacities, psychological make up, and problems of women and

research methods employed to study these.

8. To familiarize students with the social and political background of gender differences and the gender issues.

While planning and designing this course, we had two choices to opt from:

1. Discuss fewer topics but in greater detail

2. Discuss a wide range of gender issues, but in lesser detail

We opted for the latter. However we have tried to provide you with as much research evidence as the allocated

time could accommodate.

After doing this course, you should know, or at least be familiar with, the following:

· The meaning of gender

· The difference between gender and sex

· Basic terminology pertaining to gender issues

· The historical background of the emergence of a growing interest in gender issues

You must also be having an understanding of the facts that:

Males and females are not much different in terms of personality, cognitive ability, intelligence, emotional

experiences, and motivation.

The differences that exist are a result of the socialization process that male and female children gender through.

The way men and women think feel and act is influenced by the gender identity they have developed.

How the different theories of personality explain and understand development of gender roles

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Gender Issues In Psychology (PSY - 512)

Now you know what is meant by:

· The socialization process and learning of gender roles

· The biological differences between men and women

· The relationship between gender and media, education, violence, harassment, work, and dual

responsibilities.

· The health issues faced by women, and

· Gender, psychopathology, and psychotherapy.

·Work issues;

power relationships between men and women

· Psychosocial factors in women empowerment

·Physical and mental health issues

·Discrimination and violence prevention

·Gender equality and equity

New Avenues For Gender Research

Psychologists interested in gender issues are carrying out research in a variety of aspects of the gender

phenomenon. In this section we will mention some of the areas in which research is being done, and needs to

be done further.

Working on women's perceptions:

We need to explore how women in our society perceive their ability, potential, status, and position.

Sources of empowerment need to be identified, encouraged, and cultivated.

Besides, we need to work on females who cause threats to the well being of other females.

Working on men's perceptions:

We also need to explore, and work upon, the attitudes of men towards women.

Young men and male children need to be worked upon.

Men need to be taught about the equal ability, and rights of women.

Research on the impact of media:

Media plays an important role in the development of gender roles and identities.

Media portrays women in a stereotypical fashion.

Research on the impact of media and ways of steering media into a realistic direction is very much needed.

Research on school curricula and textbooks:

Although some empirical research work is already available in the area of portrayal of female in textbooks,

more research input is required.

We need to investigate the impact of the prevalent system of education, as well as ways of improving the

content of textbooks with an aim to promote gender equality and women empowerment.

Exploring aspects of women empowerment:

Research is needed for exploring hindrances to women empowerment, and possible means and sources that

can facilitate women empowerment.

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