FACTORS-THAT-INFLUENCING-GENDER.pdf Elementary education

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1. FACTORS THAT
INFLUENCES GENDER

2. OBJECTIVE:
At the end of the lesson, students will be
able to:
•Identify and understand the various
factors that influence gender.
•Discuss the interplay between
biological, social, cultural, and
psychological factors in shaping
gender.
•Analyze how these factors contribute
to gender and expression.

3. What do you
think shapes our
understanding
of gender?

4. OVERVIEW:
Gender is influenced
by a complex interplay
of factors, including
biology, culture,
society, and individual
psychology.

5. 1. BIOLOGICAL
FACTORS

6. GENETICS AND
CHROMOSOMES:
•Biological sex is typically determined
by chromosomes (XX for female, XY
for male). These chromosomes
influence the development of physical
characteristics such as reproductive
organs and secondary sexual
characteristics.

7. •However, not everyone fits neatly into the binary
XX/XY model. Intersex individuals, for example,
may have variations in sex chromosomes,
gonads, or genitalia that do not align with
traditional definitions of male or female

10. HORMONES:
•Hormones like estrogen and
testosterone play significant roles in
developing physical traits associated
with gender. For example,
testosterone is associated with the
development of typically male
characteristics, such as facial hair
and a deeper voice.
•Hormonal variations can influence
gender identity, particularly in cases
where individuals undergo hormone
therapy as part of gender transition
processes.

11. BRAIN
STRUCTURE AND
FUNCTION:
•Research suggests that brain
structure and function may
differ slightly between sexes,
potentially influencing gender
and behavior. However, this
area is complex, and there is no
definitive "male" or "female"
brain. Neurobiological factors
are thought to interact with
social and psychological
influences, contributing to the
diversity of gender identities.

12. 2. SOCIAL
FACTORS

13. FAMILY AND UPBRINGING:
Family is often the first source
of gender socialization. From a
young age, children are often
encouraged to conform to
gender norms through toys,
activities, and clothing deemed
appropriate for boys or girls.
Parental attitudes and
behaviors toward gender can
significantly influence a child's
understanding and expression
of their gender

14. EDUCATION AND PEER INFLUENCE:
Schools play a crucial role in
reinforcing or challenging
gender norms. Teachers,
curricula, and peer
interactions all contribute to
shaping gender.
Peer pressure can lead
individuals to conform to
expected gender behaviors,
especially during
adolescence, when fitting in
becomes important.

15. MEDIA AND POPULAR CULTURE:
Media, including television,
movies, music, and social media,
often portray and reinforce
gender. These portrayals can
shape perceptions of what is
considered appropriate for
different genders.
Advertising and marketing also
target genders differently, often
promoting products that
reinforce traditional gender roles
(e.g., dolls for girls, action figures
for boys)

16. RELIGION AND TRADITION
Many religious and cultural
traditions have specific
teachings about gender and
behaviors. These teachings
often emphasize distinct roles
for men and women in family
and society.
In some cultures, these roles
are rigidly defined and
enforced, while in others,
there is more flexibility and
acceptance of diverse gender
identities.

17. GROUP ACTIVITY
•The class will be divided into 4
groups. Each group assigns a social
factor that influences gender.
Discuss how this factor influences
gender in your own lives or
communities:
•1. Family
•2. Education and Peer
•3. Media and Popular Culture
•4. Religion and Tradition

18. 3. CULTURAL FACTORS

19. CULTURAL NORMS AND VALUES:
Different cultures have distinct
expectations and norms
regarding gender. These norms
dictate acceptable behaviors,
roles, and expressions for men,
women, and non-binary
individuals.
For example, some cultures
have traditional roles for men
as providers and women as
caregivers, while others may
have more egalitarian views on
gender roles.

20. GLOBALIZATION AND CROSS -CULTURAL EXCHANGE
Globalization has led to
increased exposure to different
cultural understandings of
gender. This can challenge
traditional norms and
introduce more fluid or diverse
concepts of gender.
Cross-cultural exchange can
lead to greater acceptance of
non-binary and transgender
identities, as well as a broader
understanding of gender
fluidity.

21. 4.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
FACTORS

22. GENDER DEVELOPMENT:
Gender identity, an individual’s
deeply held sense of being male,
female, or another gender, typically
develops in early childhood.
Psychological theories such as
Kohlberg's Cognitive Developmental
Theory suggest that children
categorize themselves and others
based on gender from a young age.
Experiences in childhood, including
how children are treated by parents
and peers, play a significant role in
the development of gender identity.

23. SELF-CONCEPT AND PERSONALITY
An individual’s self-concept and
personality can influence how
they perceive and express their
gender. For example, some people
may feel a strong alignment with
traditional gender roles, while
others may not.
Psychological resilience and self-
awareness also play a role in how
individuals navigate their gender
identity, especially when it does
not conform to societal
expectations.

24. MENTAL HEALTH:
Mental health can influence and
be influenced by gender identity.
Individuals who experience
gender dysphoria, for example,
may face significant mental health
challenges related to the
incongruence between their
gender identity and biological sex.
Access to supportive mental
health care can play a crucial role
in helping individuals understand
and affirm their gender identity

25. REFLECTION
EXERCISE
On a time when you
felt pressured to
conform to a certain
gender or expectation.
How did you feel, and
how did you respond?

26. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL
AND S ITUATIO NAL
FACTO RS

27. ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES
The physical and social
environment can influence
gender expression. For example,
growing up in a conservative or
liberal community may shape
one’s views on gender and
gender roles.
The availability of resources,
such as gender-affirming
healthcare, supportive
communities, and inclusive
education, also affects how
individuals experience and
express their gender

28. SITUATIONAL
CONTEXTS
•Situational factors, such as the
workplace, school, or social settings,
can influence how individuals express
their gender. For instance, someone
might feel more comfortable
expressing a non-traditional gender
identity in a supportive environment
than in a restrictive one

29. INTERPLAY OF
FACTORS
•While each of these factors plays a
significant role in shaping gender, it is
important to recognize that they do not
operate in isolation. Instead, they
interact in complex ways, contributing
to the rich diversity of gender identities
and expressions seen across different
societies and cultures. Understanding
this interplay is crucial for fostering
inclusivity and respecting the wide
range of gender experiences

30. PERSONAL
REFLECTION
Write a reflection on how
your understanding of
gender has evolved
through the lesson. Think
about the factors that
have influenced your own
gender or expression.