Option A: Gendered Lives

This module explores aspects of our gendered lives. Does the gender we are assigned at birth inform our later identity development? How closely is our biological sex connected to our gendered roles in society? What aspects of life are enabled or constrained by the gendered identities we identify with? As well as reviewing some of the traditional psychological theories that have informed our knowledge of our gendered lives we will consider more recent gender research including feminist and critical approaches. We will explore the influence that society has on issues surrounding gendered identities including areas such as age, health, relationships, crime, education, culture and so on.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of epistemological considerations in terms of gender
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of methodological considerations in terms of gender
• Effectively communicate their in-depth understanding of a particular aspect of gender.

Topics covered may include:

• The development and critical analysis of sex differences research
• Methods of research in considering gender
• The social construction of femininities and masculinities research
• Gender and language
• The development of gendered identities
• Gender and body image, appearance, eating behaviours and so on
• Gendered aspects of health and illness.