PSYC 5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 19: Caitlyn Jenner, Social Constructionism, Role Theory
Document Summary
Sociology: the intersection of biography and history, studies social structures and institutions. Referring to an arrangement in society: assumes that individuals shape their lives within historical and social contexts. Also began with a critique of biological determinism. We change depending on our level of maturity: within any one culture at any time. What it means to be masculine in your household isn"t the same definition for others. Sex role theory minimizes the importance of gender. Sex role theory posits singular normative definitions of masculinity and femininity. Sex role theory posits two separate spheres: ignores that definition of masculinity relies on comparison with definition of femininity and vice-versa. Sex role theory ignores that gender is situational. Sex role theory depoliticizes gender: makes gender a set of individual attributes and not an aspect of social structure. Sex role theory is inadequate in comprehending the dynamics of change.
