PSYCH 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Sex Organ, Physical Attractiveness, Erogenous Zone

• School: UMASS-Amherst
• Department: Psychology & Brain Sciences
• Course: PSYCH 100
• Professor: John Bickford

Document Summary

Sex typically refers to sexual anatomy and sexual behavior, whereas gender refers to one"s sense of being a male or female. Gender roles are the set of expectations, defined by a particular society, that indicate what is appropriate behavior for men and women. Stereotypes about gender roles can result in sexism. Sexism refers to negative attitudes and behavior toward a person that are based on that person"s gender. Regardless of their age, economic status, and social and educational background, people in western societies often hold stereotypes about men and women. Specifically, men are more apt to be viewed as having personality traits involving competence, such as independence, objectivity, and competitiveness. In contrast, women tend to be seen as having personality traits involving warmth and expressiveness, such as gentleness and awareness of others" feelings. In spite of these salary inequities, attitudes are shifting.