GENDER AND GENDER THEORIES IN SOCIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY AND LITERATURE

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 INTRODUCTION

In this article, we will delve into the concept of gender and explore the theories associated with it. Below are the objectives of this article:

Objectives

By the end of this article, you should be able to:

- Define gender.

- List and explain gender theories.

- Differentiate between gender theories.

- Explain the reasons for your preferences.

What Gender Is and Is Not

Gender is a field of interdisciplinary study that analyzes sex, race, ethnicity, and sexuality. The term has several definitions, depending on individual perspectives. It typically refers to a set of characteristics distinguishing between male and female, reflecting one's biological sex—either real or perceived—and is distinct from sexual orientation. Gender is an internal, personal sense of being a man or a woman, girl or boy, while gender expression involves the external manifestation of one's biological identity through masculine, feminine, or gender-variant behaviors, clothing, hairstyles, or external bodily characteristics.

However, gender is generally understood as the social relationship between the two human sexes—male and female—in a given environment. While sex pertains to the biological or physical makeup of a person, gender emphasizes the social aspect, encompassing a set of social and behavioral norms considered socially acceptable for individuals of a specific sex within a given culture. These norms can vary widely between cultures.

Gender Theories

Several theories of gender exist, primarily revolving around three main categories: biological, socialization, and cognitive. The multitude of theories in gender reflects the complexities inherent in understanding the relationship between men and women in a given context.

In this article, we will briefly explore three classes of gender theories: those within Sociology, Psychology, and English Studies. All existing gender theories can be categorized under one of these three umbrella groups.

Gender Theories in Sociology

These theories center around socially prescribed behaviors for both sexes, encompassing specific expectations for boys, girls, men, and women in a given society. Behaviors are categorized as masculine, feminine, or queer if deviations occur from the first two. These expectations extend to various aspects such as clothing, speech, and relationships. For instance, women are generally expected to be gentle, softly spoken, and 'submissive.' However, exceptions to these norms exist, and society often labels them as queer.

Critiquing these socially prescribed behaviors are three main theories: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.

Gender Theories in Psychology

The theories within this category focus on the social environment in which children grow up, exploring the myths and beliefs with which they are conditioned, particularly regarding gender. The knowledge and expectations that boys and girls have about each other stem from the social conditioning they experienced during upbringing. Cultural influences play a significant role in preparing them for the roles expected as members of a particular sex. These expectations are often two-sided, as children are not only aware of what society expects from them but also from the opposite sex.

The theories in this category encompass psychodynamic theory, social learning theory, and cognitive-developmental theory.

Gender Theories in English Studies

The theories within this group critique the power of language to label, dehumanize, annihilate, or empower individuals or groups within a specific social context. Language has the capacity to designate a particular group as the 'other' and subsequently treat them accordingly. The power of speech was historically concentrated within one group, but through education and enlightenment, women are reclaiming their voices and asserting their rights.

Theories in this category encompass deficit theory, dominance theory, radical theory, difference theory, and reformist theory.

CONCLUSION/SUMMARY

In this article, we explored the concept of gender and examined various gender theories. Throughout this unit, you have gained an understanding of:

- The definition of gender.

- Some major gender theories.

REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Obafemi, Olu and Bodunde, Charles (eds.) (2003). Criticism, Theory and Ideology

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Dathorne,  O. R.  (1975). African Literature  in  the  Twentieth  Century. London:

Heinemann

Newmark, Peter (1981). Approaches to Translation. London: Heinemann

Owomoyela,  Oyekan  (1979).  African  Literature:  An  Introduction.  Walthan:

Crossroads Press.

Irele,  Abiola  (1975).  ‘Tradition  and  the  Yoruba  Writer:  D.O  Fagunwa,  Amos Tutuola and Wole  Soyinka ’.  ODU: A Journal of  West African Studies, No  11

(January), pp. 75 – 100.

Alema, K. O. (1999). A Handbook of Writers Across Africa. Kenya: Heinemann.

Lemon, Ture (1961). East African Writers in Perspective. Accra: Heinemann

Kenture, Ben  (1974). Literature and Early African  Creative  Writers: Issues  in

Literary Development. Ibadan: Longman

Ezekiel, Kotuname (1972). African Plays in Perspective. Kaduan: State Press.

Stephen, Abu (1978). African Drama - Early-Stage Craft and Aesthetics. Accra: Heinemann.