Psychosocial Perspective of Gender and

Sexuality

Gender And society

Module 1
Introduction:

In this module, students will explore the psychosocial perspective of gender and
sexuality. The primary objectives are to define the term "psychosocial" and recognize its
two main dimensions – psychological and social. Additionally, students will analyze and
differentiate reproductive and productive roles within the context of gender and sexuality
and evaluate psychosocial issues related to various dimensions of well-being.

Learning Objective

1. Define the term "psychosocial" and identify its two primary dimensions, psychological and
social.
2. Analyze and differentiate the reproductive and productive roles ascribed to individuals in the
context of gender and sexuality.
3. Evaluate psychosocial issues as needs and concerns related to the various dimensions of
psychosocial well-being.

Definition of Terms:

Psychosocial - a term pertaining to psychological and social factors and the interaction of
these factors.

Psychosocial issues - needs and concerns relating to one or all of the psychosocial
dimensions,

Reproductive role - the social script ascribed to individuals pertaining to their role in
child-rearing and related tasks such as maintaining the household.

Productive role - the social script ascribed to individuals pertaining to their role in economic
production and related tasks such as engaging in public affairs and living in the world of work.

Pre-Test: True or False. Write T if the statement is true and F if false.

___1. Gender and sexuality have only social dimensions.

___2. Psychology is primarily concerned with economic production and public affairs.
___3. The psychological aspect of gender and sexuality includes affect, behavior, and cognition.
___4. Sociology is solely focused on individual realities and experiences.
___5. Awareness is the conscious understanding of our strengths and weaknesses.
___6. Intimacy refers to keeping a significant distance in human relationships.
___7. Socialization is the process by which we learn cultural norms and traditions.
___8. Well-being is only about outward elements in our environment.
___9. Subjective well-being is solely determined by the external environment.
___10. The physical dimension of well-being includes emotional stability.

Explore!

What does psychosocial mean?

The term "psychosocial" is quite broad, encompassing two main dimensions: psychological and
social. While there are numerous ways to define these terms, at its core, psychological relates
to mental processes and behavior, whereas social is connected to human relationships,
connections, and interactions.

When it comes to gender and sexuality, the psychological dimension finds its foundation in the
realm of psychology. Psychology, as a scientific field, delves into understanding how individuals
think and feel, exploring the intricate interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behavior.

There are three primary psychological domains:

1. Affect or the affective domain pertains to people's emotions and feelings.

2. Behavior or the behavioral domain pertains to people's actions-both observable (overt) or not
observable (covert).

3. Cognition or cognitive domain pertains to people's thought processes such as memory,

perception and information processing.

In recognizing the psychological dimension of gender and sexuality, it's important to

acknowledge that our sexual behaviors and gender-related behaviors stem from our
perceptions, thoughts, and emotions.

Conversely, the social dimensions of gender and sexuality find their foundation in disciplines like
sociology and related fields such as social psychology. Essentially, sociology delves into the
scientific study of individuals' realities and experiences within groups and institutions, exploring
the dynamics of human relationships within these contexts.

Understanding the Psychosocial Dimension

There are many ways through which the psychosocial dimensions of gender and sexuality can
be understood and explained. Our experience of gender and sexuality is generally a relational
experience. It is relational because while as individuals, we have our own affect, cognition and
behavior to be aware of, we are also viewing ourselves in relation to others who also have their
own personal preoccupations. There are some elements of our gendered self which are best
viewed in an ecological context, that is, in the circumstances in our physical and social
environment,
Awareness

At the front of our experiences as gendered beings is awareness. In simpler terms, awareness
is our conscious understanding of something. As individuals, we are in constant process
towards self-awareness.

Who and what am I?

What do I like or dislike?
What are my strengths and weaknesses? What motivates me?
What are my aspirations?

We are in an endless process of asking and trying to understand. But then, we are not Isolated
in a vacuum. We are social beings. We live our lives in relation to others. Hence, as we try to
understand ourselves more, we are also in a constant process towards other-awareness, that is,
understanding others.

Gender and Sexuality

Gender refers to the roles, behaviors, activities, expectations, and societal norms that a
particular culture considers appropriate for men and women. It is a complex interplay of biology,
identity, expression, and culture. On the other hand,Sexuality encompasses a person's sexual
orientation, attraction, feelings, behaviors, and identity. It goes beyond the binary concepts of
heterosexual or homosexual and includes a spectrum of attractions.

Components of Gender
Identity: One's personal sense of their gender, whether they identify as male, female, or
non-binary.
Expression: How individuals manifest their gender identity through appearance, clothing,
behavior, and other forms of self-presentation.
Roles: Societal expectations and norms associated with being a man, woman, or other gender.

Examples: A person assigned male at birth (biological sex) may identify as a woman (gender
identity), express themselves through traditionally feminine clothing and behaviors (gender
expression), and take on roles deemed appropriate for women in their culture.

Components Of Sexuality
Orientation: The gender(s) to which an individual is emotionally, romantically, or sexually
attracted.
Attraction: The emotional, romantic, or sexual feelings one has towards others.
Identity: How an individual labels or understands their own sexual orientation, which may
include terms like heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, etc.
Examples: A person may identify as bisexual (sexual orientation), experience attraction to
individuals of both their own gender and other genders (attraction), and use the label "bisexual"
to describe their sexual identity.

Intimacy and Relationship

In certain situations, when two individuals acknowledge each other, they may choose to
maintain a close connection in their lives, sharing their personal spheres and fostering frequent
interactions. This development of human relationships forms a bond between two or more
people, expressed through communication and interaction. These connections can take various
forms, such as family, friendships, romantic relationships, or others. Within these relationships,
there is a sharing of resources and emotions. Individuals, in turn, consistently strive to deepen
their understanding of themselves while also seeking to comprehend others and be understood
by them. This process of mutual understanding is what we commonly refer to as intimacy.

As social beings, we derive insights from our own experiences and the wisdom imparted by
those who precede us. Our behaviors in relation to others, considering social expectations tied
to gender, and the choices we make to harmonize personal and social goals, are often
influenced by education and other cultural influences. This process of acquiring cultural norms
and traditions is known as socialization.

Well-being as a Psychosocial Goal

The ultimate aim of grasping the psychosocial aspects of our experiences is achieving
well-being—a state marked by satisfaction, meaning, and purpose. Well-being has two facets.
One involves outward observation and evaluation of elements in our environment, termed
objective well-being.

The other facet is our personal encounter with satisfaction, meaning, and purpose, known as
subjective well-being. It's subjective because it relates to our own assessment of our well-being.
There are times when, despite the environment meeting all our needs, we feel unsatisfied,
resulting in a low sense of subjective well-being. Conversely, there are moments when the
environment has shortcomings, yet we feel at peace and satisfied within. In common terms,
subjective well-being is akin to happiness.

Dimensions of Well-being

Based on what well-being means, we can see that there are various dimensions to it. The
following are just the primary dimensions of well-being which we must look into when trying to
understand the psychosocial condition of a person.

physical - physical/biological health

emotional - positive feelings, mood stability
mental - clarity of mind; healthy thought process
material - available and adequate financial and other resources
social - healthy and positive interaction and relationship with other

Activity1 : Guess What?

Direction: Here are 10 statements related to gender and sexuality. Respond to each statement
by indicating whether it pertains more to gender (G), sexuality (S), or both (B).

1. Understanding societal expectations related to roles and behaviors falls under ________.
2. Exploring one's personal attractions and desires is a part of ________.
3. Navigating the dynamics of romantic relationships involves considerations of ________.
4. Grasping the cultural norms and traditions associated with identity is a component of
________.
5. Addressing discrimination and bias based on identity relates to issues of ________.
6. Understanding oneself in relation to others and societal expectations is a facet of ________.
7. Dealing with stereotypes and societal norms tied to attraction and relationships involves
considerations of ________.
8. Navigating societal expectations in terms of family roles is a component of ________.
9. Addressing issues related to self-awareness and societal acceptance is linked to ________.
10. Advocating for equal rights and representation encompasses concerns related to ________.

Activity2: Intimacy or Relationship!?

Direction: On a separate piece of paper. Make a venn diagram about Intimacy and relationship.
Write on the left circle everything that you learn about Intimacy and relationship on the right
circle then write at the middle their similarities.

Activity3 : Feel Me!

Direction: In this activity you are tasked to fill in the blanks by the dimension of well being on the
table below.

Physical Mental
 Emotional Social
Material

1. Going for a jog every morning contributes to your ________ well-being.

2. Maintaining a positive attitude during challenging times is crucial for your ________
well-being.
3. Practicing mindfulness and meditation enhances your ________ well-being.
4. Having a stable income and access to basic needs supports your ________ well-being.
5. Building strong connections with friends and family contributes to your ________ well-being.
6. Engaging in activities that stimulate your intellect promotes your ________ well-being.
7. Having a comfortable living space and financial security falls under ________ well-being.
8. Developing effective communication skills is beneficial for your ________ well-being.
9. Achieving work-life balance is important for your ________ well-being.
10. Volunteering and contributing to your community positively impact your ________
well-being.

Reflection:
Write an essay reflecting what you've learned in this topic and try to relate it to your experience.

Post-test: True or False. Write T if the statement is true and F if false.

___1. Gender and sexuality have only social dimensions.

___2. Psychology is primarily concerned with economic production and public affairs.
___3. The psychological aspect of gender and sexuality includes affect, behavior, and cognition.
___4. Sociology is solely focused on individual realities and experiences.
___5. Awareness is the conscious understanding of our strengths and weaknesses.
___6. Intimacy refers to keeping a significant distance in human relationships.
___7. Socialization is the process by which we learn cultural norms and traditions.
___8. Well-being is only about outward elements in our environment.
___9. Subjective well-being is solely determined by the external environment.
___10. The physical dimension of well-being includes emotional stability.
___11. Reproductive role involves tasks related to economic production.
___12. The social aspect of gender and sexuality is primarily anchored in psychology.
___13. Ecological context refers to understanding ourselves in isolation.
___14. Other-awareness involves understanding oneself in relation to others.
___15. Objective well-being is solely based on personal experiences of satisfaction.

Additional Activity: World of Colors

For 20pts! Make a poster showcasing the psychosocial gender and sexuality.

Relativity to the topic 10 points

Creativity and authenticity 7 points

Neatly colored 3 points

Total: 20 points

GoodLuck
Answer Key:
Pre-Test
F 1. F 6.
F 2. T 7.
T 3. F 8.
F 4. F 9.
T 5. F 10.

Activity1 : Guess What?

1.) Both 6.) Both
2.) Sexuality 7.) Sexuality
3.) Both 8.) Gender
4.) Gender 9.) Sexuality
5.) Both 10.) Both

Activity2 ; Intimacy or Relationship!?

The answer is based on the students learning capability or opinion.

Activity3 : Feel Me!

1. Physical 6. Mental
2. Emotional 7. Material
3. Mental 8. Social
4. Material 9. Social
5. Social 10. Social

Post-Test

1. T 6. F 11. F
2. F 7. T 12. F
3. T 8. F 13. F
4. F 9. F 14. F
5. T 10. F 15. F
Reference

https://www.studocu.com/en-us/document/st-paul-university-iloilo/physical-therapy/psychological
-perspective-in-gender-and-sexuality/13552284

Manuel B. Castro
BSED Science 1-A
Exploring Family Dynamics and Gender Roles:
Understanding the Foundations

Gender And Society

Module 2
Introduction:

Family dynamics and gender roles play integral roles in shaping the structure and functioning of
a family unit. In this article, we will delve into the definitions and interplay of these concepts,
exploring how they influence relationships, expectations, and individual experiences within a
family.

Definition of Terms:

Family Dynamics:
Family dynamics refer to the patterns of interaction, communication, and relationships within a
family. These dynamics encompass the ways family members relate to each other,
communicate, make decisions, and handle conflicts. Understanding family dynamics is crucial
for comprehending the overall health and functioning of a family unit.

Gender Roles:
Gender roles are societal expectations, norms, and behaviors associated with individuals based
on their perceived gender. These roles often prescribe certain responsibilities, tasks, and
behaviors to individuals based on whether they are identified as male or female. Exploring
gender roles within the family context involves understanding the roles ascribed to different
family members based on their gender.

Pre-Test
Direction: Relating from the previous topic and nows topic. Multiple choice. Choose the letter of
the correct answer.

1. Psychosocial Dimensions:
- How does the psychosocial perspective contribute to our understanding of gender and
sexuality?
- a) Only considers biological factors
- b) Explores psychological and social dimensions
- c) Focuses solely on individual experiences
- d) Ignores societal expectations

2. Communication Patterns:
- In the context of family dynamics, how might psychosocial factors influence communication
patterns about gender and sexuality?
- a) Isolated from family interactions
- b) Shapes communication styles and expectations
- c) Only affects non-verbal communication
- d) Has no impact on family dialogue

3. Parenting and Psychosocial Development:

 - How do psychosocial factors intersect with gender roles in parenting within a family?
- a) Exclusively determined by external influences
- b) Influences psychosocial development and parenting expectations
- c) Unrelated to societal norms
- d) Only affects individual identity

4. Cultural Influences on Psychosocial Dynamics:

- Broader cultural and societal norms impact psychosocial dynamics in what way?
- a) Isolated from individual experiences
- b) Shapes how individuals perceive gender and sexuality
- c) Affects only non-psychological aspects
- d) Has no role in family interactions

5. Well-being and Psychosocial Goals:

- How is well-being connected to the psychosocial aspects of gender and sexuality?
- a) Well-being is solely determined by biological factors
- b) Well-being involves only psychological aspects
- c) Includes satisfaction, meaning, and purpose considering psychological and social factors
- d) Ignores social interactions

6. Roles in Parenting and Division of Labor:

- In the context of family dynamics, how do gender roles contribute to the division of labor?
- a) Eliminates any role division
- b) Causes confusion in responsibilities
- c) Defines specific tasks based on gender, contributing to specialization
- d) Has no impact on work distribution

7. Significance of Gender Roles:

- What is a significant aspect of gender roles within a family according to the psychosocial
perspective?
- a) Establishes social order and structure
- b) Disregards cultural continuity
- c) Promotes chaos and disorder
- d) Eliminates predictability

8. Socialization and Psychosocial Processes:

- How do families contribute to the socialization process through psychosocial factors?
- a) Foster isolation from societal influences
- b) Unrelated to the socialization of children
- c) Contribute to the socialization process by influencing behaviors and expectations
- d) Cause confusion in societal roles

9. Complementary Relationships:
 - What idea is often associated with traditional gender roles in creating a sense of balance
within a family?
- a) Independence of family members
- b) Imbalance and discord
- c) Mutual support and balance
- d) Disregard for individual strengths

10. Challenging Traditional Roles:

- How does adapting to changes in gender roles within a family contribute to the psychosocial
well-being of its members?
- a) Allows families to evolve and respond to changing dynamics
- b) Maintains inflexibility
- c) Causes resistance to change
- d) Encourages ignorance of societal shifts

Explore!

Family Dynamics and Gender Roles:

1. Communication Patterns:
Family dynamics heavily influence how communication occurs within a family. Gender roles
may shape communication styles, with expectations regarding who speaks, listens, and takes
on leadership roles. Understanding these dynamics helps in fostering healthy communication
patterns.

2. Decision-Making Processes:
Gender roles often impact decision-making within a family. Traditional roles may assign
specific decision-making responsibilities to certain genders. Analyzing family dynamics in this
context allows for a deeper understanding of how power dynamics influence choices and
resolutions.

3. Roles in Parenting:
Family dynamics and gender roles play a significant role in parenting. Expectations regarding
nurturing, discipline, and caregiving are often tied to gender roles. Examining these dynamics
helps in recognizing the varied contributions each family member can make to parenting.

4. Work-Life Balance:
Gender roles may influence perceptions of work and family responsibilities. Exploring family
dynamics in this aspect allows individuals to challenge stereotypical expectations, fostering an
environment where both partners can actively participate in both work and family life.

5. Cultural and Societal Influences:

 Family dynamics are also shaped by broader cultural and societal norms. Understanding
these influences is essential in recognizing how gender roles are constructed, perpetuated, or
challenged within the family unit.

What are the Significances of Gender Roles in a Family?

Gender roles within a family hold significance for several reasons, influencing the dynamics,
structure, and functioning of the family unit. While societal views on gender roles have evolved,
and families today may vary in their adherence to traditional roles, these roles still play a role in
shaping family life. Here are some significances of having gender roles inside the family:

1. Establishing Social Order:

Gender roles help establish a sense of order and structure within the family. They provide
predefined expectations for the roles and responsibilities of each family member, contributing to
a smoother functioning of daily activities and tasks.

2. Cultural Continuity:
Gender roles often reflect cultural norms and traditions. Adhering to these roles can be a way
for families to maintain a connection with their cultural heritage, passing down specific practices,
values, and expectations related to gendered behaviors.

3. Division of Labor:
Gender roles help in defining the division of labor within the family. Traditionally, certain tasks
may be associated with specific genders. This division can create a sense of specialization, with
each family member contributing in areas deemed appropriate to their gender.

4. Role Modeling:
Gender roles serve as models for behavior within the family. Children often learn about
societal expectations and responsibilities by observing how their parents and other family
members fulfill their gender roles. This can impact their understanding of gender dynamics in
broader society.

5. Stability and Predictability:

Having clearly defined gender roles can contribute to stability and predictability within the
family. When everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, it can lead to a more
organized and efficient family life.

6. Complementary Relationships:
Traditional gender roles are often based on the idea of complementary relationships between
men and women. Each gender is expected to bring unique qualities and strengths to the family,
fostering a sense of balance and mutual support.

7. Sense of Identity:
 Gender roles contribute to the development of individual and family identity. Adhering to or
challenging these roles can shape how family members perceive themselves and how they are
perceived by others, both within and outside the family unit.

8. Preserving Family Traditions:

Gender roles may be deeply ingrained in family traditions and rituals. Adhering to these roles
can be a way of preserving and passing down family customs, reinforcing a sense of continuity
across generations.

9. Socialization:
Through adherence to gender roles, families contribute to the socialization process of
children. Children learn about societal expectations, relationships, and responsibilities by
observing and participating in the gendered behaviors of their family members.

10. Adapting to Change:

While traditional gender roles have been prevalent, families today are adapting to changes in
societal views on gender. Exploring and challenging these roles allows families to evolve and
respond to the changing dynamics of modern society.

It's important to note that the significance of gender roles within the family is subjective and can
vary based on cultural, societal, and individual perspectives. Families may choose to embrace,
modify, or challenge traditional gender roles based on their values and beliefs.

Activity1: What's in my Family?

Direction: In this activity you are tasked to ask your parents about what they can say about the
gender roles in your family. List at least 5 gender roles statements from your parents.

Activity2: What U See!

Direction: In this activity you are task to observe your family on how the interact with each other
with the division of labor inside your household. Then observe the role modeling of your parents
and elderly. Then write a 3 paragraph Essay based on what you've obsereved and write your
own opinion about it.

Reflection!
Write a poem based on the family dynamics in your family.

Post Test
Direction: Multiple choice. Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Communication Patterns:
Family dynamics heavily influence how communication occurs within a family. Gender roles
may shape communication styles, with expectations regarding who speaks, listens, and takes
on leadership roles. Understanding these dynamics helps in fostering healthy communication
patterns.
 - a) Only influenced by age
- b) Primarily shaped by pets
- c) Heavily influenced by family dynamics and gender roles
- d) Random and unpredictable

2. Decision-Making Processes:
Gender roles often impact decision-making within a family. Traditional roles may assign
specific decision-making responsibilities to certain genders. Analyzing family dynamics in this
context allows for a deeper understanding of how power dynamics influence choices and
resolutions.
- a) Irrelevant in decision-making
- b) Influenced only by external factors
- c) Often affected by family dynamics and gender roles
- d) Always dictated by the eldest family member

3. Roles in Parenting:
Family dynamics and gender roles play a significant role in parenting. Expectations regarding
nurturing, discipline, and caregiving are often tied to gender roles. Examining these dynamics
helps in recognizing the varied contributions each family member can make to parenting.
- a) Exclusively dictated by children
- b) Unaffected by gender roles
- c) Governed solely by societal norms
- d) Significantly influenced by family dynamics and gender roles

4. Work-Life Balance:
Gender roles may influence perceptions of work and family responsibilities. Exploring family
dynamics in this aspect allows individuals to challenge stereotypical expectations, fostering an
environment where both partners can actively participate in both work and family life.
- a) Independent of family dynamics
- b) Unrelated to work-life balance
- c) Linked to cultural factors only
- d) Explored within family dynamics

5. Cultural and Societal Influences:

Family dynamics are also shaped by broader cultural and societal norms. Understanding
these influences is essential in recognizing how gender roles are constructed, perpetuated, or
challenged within the family unit.
- a) Isolated from societal norms
- b) Exclusively influenced by media
- c) Shaped by cultural and societal norms
- d) Unaffected by external factors

6. What is the primary significance of establishing gender roles within a family?

- a) Social order and structure
 - b) Cultural discontinuity
- c) Chaos and disorder
- d) Unpredictability

7. How do gender roles contribute to the division of labor within a family?

- a) Cause confusion
- b) Specialization and structure
- c) Eliminate responsibilities
- d) Create imbalance

8. Why are gender roles significant for role modeling within a family?
- a) Irrelevant for children's learning
- b) Foster confusion
- c) Provide models for behavior
- d) Are unrelated to parental influence

9. What does having clearly defined gender roles contribute to within a family?
- a) Chaos
- b) Unpredictability
- c) Stability and predictability
- d) Ambiguity

10. What is the traditional view on complementary relationships based on?

- a) Independence
- b) Imbalance
- c) Mutual support and balance
- d) Confusion

11. How do gender roles contribute to a sense of identity within a family?

- a) Contribute to family and individual identity
- b) Are irrelevant to identity
- c) Foster identity crisis
- d) Cause confusion

12. Why are gender roles linked to preserving family traditions?

- a) Pass down practices, values, and expectations
- b) Unrelated to traditions
- c) Promote discontinuity
- d) Eliminate family customs

13. How do families contribute to the socialization process through gender roles?
- a) Foster isolation
- b) Impact only external socialization
- c) Contribute to the socialization process of children
 - d) Are unrelated to socialization

14. What does adapting to change in gender roles allow families to do?
- a) Resist change
- b) Be inflexible
- c) Evolve and respond to changing dynamics
- d) Ignore societal shifts

15. Why is the significance of gender roles within the family subjective?
- a) Because it is universally accepted
- b) Because it varies based on perspectives and values
- c) Because it is irrelevant
- d) Because it is determined by external factors

Additional Activity!
Research about the Family dynamics on Other countries write at least 4.

Good Luck
Reference:
https://www.scribd.com/document/545542261/Gender-and-Family

Manuel B. Castro
BSED Science 1-A
Answer Key
Pre-Test

1. b 6. c
2. b 7. a
3. b 8. c
4. b 9. c
5. c 10. a

Post Test
1. c 6. a 11. a
2. c 7. b 12. a
3. d 8. c 13. c
4. d 9. c 14. c
5. c 10. c 15. b