Gender Identity
Lori Estien
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Gender Identity
July 29, 2012
Sharon Belden
The concept of understanding a person’s gender identity seems to be straight forward. For many, they believe it is whether they are male or female. Simply meaning they were either born with male or female sex and reproductive organs. In actuality gender identity is according to our text, “our gender identity is our psychological awareness or sense of being male or female” (Rathus, Nevid, Fichner-Rathus, 2005). In essence our gender identity is the traits or characteristics of male or female that you feel best reflect your own self-reflection.
For most, gender identity corresponds with their sex assignment. To be clear a person’s sex assignment is determined by the reproductive organs they were born with. Gender identity is a separate concept however men view their gender identity as male and women tend to view theirs are female. In actuality however, gender identity can be determined or influenced by various elements. Genetics, our environment, sex hormones and even psychological factors all may play an important role in how masculine or feminine a person may view themselves.
When a child is born parents have a tendency of raising them with the stereotypical characteristics of their sex assignment. A boy is encourage to get dirty, play sports or with matchbox cars or trucks. It would be considered common behavior for a boy to be “rough and tough”. Many parents would discourage a male from playing with things that are considered “girly”. Girls on the other hand are generally encouraged to play with nurturing toys such as dolls, play kitchens or craft activities. Sure, it is more is now more acceptable for girls to play sports as a young child, but athletic young women are given the stereotype “tom-boy” and are viewed more masculine.
Some people believe that there are roles that are specifically meant for either men or women. Not too long ago, it was
Psychology of Human Sexuality
Gender Identity
July 29, 2012
Sharon Belden
The concept of understanding a person’s gender identity seems to be straight forward. For many, they believe it is whether they are male or female. Simply meaning they were either born with male or female sex and reproductive organs. In actuality gender identity is according to our text, “our gender identity is our psychological awareness or sense of being male or female” (Rathus, Nevid, Fichner-Rathus, 2005). In essence our gender identity is the traits or characteristics of male or female that you feel best reflect your own self-reflection.
For most, gender identity corresponds with their sex assignment. To be clear a person’s sex assignment is determined by the reproductive organs they were born with. Gender identity is a separate concept however men view their gender identity as male and women tend to view theirs are female. In actuality however, gender identity can be determined or influenced by various elements. Genetics, our environment, sex hormones and even psychological factors all may play an important role in how masculine or feminine a person may view themselves.
When a child is born parents have a tendency of raising them with the stereotypical characteristics of their sex assignment. A boy is encourage to get dirty, play sports or with matchbox cars or trucks. It would be considered common behavior for a boy to be “rough and tough”. Many parents would discourage a male from playing with things that are considered “girly”. Girls on the other hand are generally encouraged to play with nurturing toys such as dolls, play kitchens or craft activities. Sure, it is more is now more acceptable for girls to play sports as a young child, but athletic young women are given the stereotype “tom-boy” and are viewed more masculine.
Some people believe that there are roles that are specifically meant for either men or women. Not too long ago, it was