BPCG 176
PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER
IGNOU BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment July 2024 & Jan 2025
Assignment One
Q 1. Discuss the gender differences in emotions, motivation and social needs. What are the effects of gender differences on social comparison and self-evaluation.
Ans. Gender plays a significant role in shaping an individual’s emotional responses, motivational patterns, and social needs.
These differences are not purely biological, but are largely influenced by cultural expectations, societal roles, upbringing, and individual experiences.
From early childhood, boys and girls are often socialized differently, which contributes to how they express emotions, what drives them, and how they interact socially.
Understanding these gender differences helps us become more sensitive and inclusive, especially when it comes to communication, education, mental health, and personal development.
When it comes to emotions, research and observation show that females are generally more emotionally expressive than males.
Women are more likely to openly share feelings like sadness, fear, guilt, and empathy, whereas men tend to suppress such emotions due to societal pressure to appear strong or unemotional. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For instance, a boy who cries may be told to “man up,” while a girl expressing the same emotion is more likely to be comforted.
Over time, this leads to men becoming more emotionally reserved and women more comfortable with emotional expression.
However, this does not mean that men feel less; rather, they are taught to manage or hide their emotions differently.
Women also tend to be more attuned to others’ emotions, often displaying higher emotional intelligence.
This is partly because society has traditionally assigned women caregiving and nurturing roles, encouraging them to be more empathetic and emotionally aware.
Men, on the other hand, may express anger or frustration more freely, as these emotions are seen as more “acceptable” within the context of masculinity.
In terms of motivation, gender differences become noticeable in the types of goals individuals pursue and the sources of their drive.
Women are often more motivated by relational goals, such as maintaining harmony, helping others, or achieving a sense of belonging.
Their motivation tends to be more intrinsic, coming from internal satisfaction rather than external rewards. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to be motivated by competition, achievement, and status.
Social expectations often push boys to excel in tasks that demonstrate power and independence, while girls are praised for cooperation and care.
For example, in academic or workplace settings, women may be more motivated by teamwork and job satisfaction, while men may prioritize recognition or financial rewards. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
That said, these patterns are changing with time as gender roles evolve, and many people today are motivated by a mix of both achievement-oriented and relational goals, regardless of gender.
When discussing social needs, women generally have a stronger need for emotional connection and social bonding. They often form close, intimate friendships based on trust, emotional support, and communication.
Men, in contrast, tend to form social connections based on shared activities or goals, and their friendships may be less emotionally expressive.
This difference in social interaction is deeply rooted in how boys and girls are encouraged to socialize from an early age.
Girls are often rewarded for being nurturing and cooperative, while boys are often pushed toward assertiveness and autonomy.
This leads to distinct patterns of social behavior in adulthood, where women may seek deeper emotional conversations and men may focus on shared experiences or problem-solving.
These gender differences in emotions, motivation, and social needs naturally influence how individuals compare themselves to others and evaluate themselves, a process known as social comparison and self-evaluation.
Social comparison is a common human behavior where people assess themselves by measuring their abilities, achievements, or status against those of others.
The way men and women engage in this process often reflects their gendered socialization. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For instance, women tend to compare themselves more in terms of appearance, relationships, and emotional intelligence.
They are more likely to engage in upward social comparison, where they compare themselves to those they perceive as better off, especially in areas like beauty, body image, or social success.
This can sometimes lead to lower self-esteem or increased self-criticism, especially in the age of social media, where curated images often create unrealistic standards.
Men, on the other hand, may compare themselves in terms of achievements, status, strength, or professional success.
They might focus more on performance-based comparisons and may experience frustration or self-doubt if they feel they are not “winning” or standing out in competitive environments.
Gender differences also affect how people respond to these comparisons.
Women are more likely to internalize negative comparisons, which may lead to anxiety, self-doubt, or efforts to improve in those areas through self-development or emotional regulation.
Men, in contrast, may respond with denial, defensiveness, or increased competitiveness. In both cases, the process of self-evaluation is shaped by what society deems valuable for each gender.
For example, a woman might feel less worthy if she doesn’t meet certain beauty standards, while a man might feel inadequate if he’s not earning a high salary or leading a team. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Moreover, the role of feedback and validation in self-evaluation also varies across genders. Women are often more receptive to feedback and more likely to seek validation from others, especially in interpersonal or emotional matters.
Men may be less open to critique, particularly when it challenges their sense of competence or authority. This can influence how they learn from experiences or grow through constructive criticism.
However, it’s important to note that these differences are general patterns, not rigid rules.
Every individual is unique, and many people display traits or behaviors that don’t necessarily conform to traditional gender expectations.
Cultural shifts, changing gender roles, and increased awareness about gender fluidity are gradually reducing the divide, allowing for a more balanced and personalized understanding of emotions, motivation, and self-worth.
Q 2. Explain the cognitive approach to the study of gender.
Ans. The cognitive approach to the study of gender emphasizes the idea that gender identity, roles, and stereotypes are largely shaped by internal mental processes—how individuals think, perceive, interpret, and organize information related to gender.
Rather than viewing gender as something solely imposed by the environment or dictated by biology, the cognitive perspective sees individuals, especially children, as active participants in the construction of their gender understanding.
From this viewpoint, gender development is seen not just as a result of being taught how to behave like a “boy” or “girl,” but rather as a process where individuals absorb, interpret, and apply gender-related information from their surroundings using their developing cognitive skills. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
One of the most influential contributions within this approach is the Gender Schema Theory, proposed by psychologist Sandra Bem.
This theory suggests that people develop mental structures called schemas, which are like mental blueprints that help us organize and interpret information.
When it comes to gender, children begin forming gender schemas at a very early age—often as young as two or three years old.
These schemas are shaped by what they see and hear around them—parents, teachers, books, media, and peer interactions all provide cues about what is considered “appropriate” for boys and girls.
Once formed, these gender schemas influence how children view themselves and others.
For example, a child who sees only women taking care of children may internalize the idea that caregiving is a “female” task and then apply that belief to their own life decisions or expectations from others.
These mental structures become a filter through which all gender-related experiences are interpreted. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Children use these schemas to guide their attention, remember relevant gendered information, and even ignore or forget information that doesn’t fit within their existing beliefs.
For instance, a boy may ignore a commercial showing a male nurse because it doesn’t align with his internalized schema of masculinity.
Over time, these mental processes reinforce societal gender norms, sometimes even more powerfully than direct instruction or external reinforcement.
Another key idea from the cognitive perspective is the cognitive-developmental theory of gender, introduced by Lawrence Kohlberg.
This theory explains how children’s understanding of gender evolves through stages as their cognitive abilities mature. According to Kohlberg, there are three main stages: gender identity, gender stability, and gender constancy.
In the first stage, around age two to three, children recognize that they are male or female, but this understanding is superficial.
In the second stage, which develops around age four to five, children realize that gender remains stable over time—boys grow up to be men, and girls grow up to be women. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
The final stage, gender constancy, emerges around age six to seven, when children understand that gender remains the same regardless of appearance, activities, or behavior.
Once children reach gender constancy, they become highly motivated to adopt behaviors and attitudes consistent with their gender identity.
This motivation leads to what Kohlberg called self-socialization, where children take it upon themselves to conform to gender norms, even without external pressure.
This is a powerful concept, as it shifts the focus from gender being enforced by society to being actively pursued by the child themselves, driven by internal cognitive understanding.
The cognitive approach also explains why gender stereotypes are so persistent and difficult to break.
Since children are actively constructing and reinforcing their own gender schemas from a young age, even well-meaning efforts by parents or educators to teach equality may be filtered through the child’s existing beliefs.
For example, if a boy has already developed the schema that playing with dolls is a “girl thing,” he may resist playing with a doll even if encouraged, because it doesn’t fit his internal framework. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
In adolescence and adulthood, these schemas become more complex, but they still play a critical role in shaping identity and behavior.
The media, peer groups, cultural expectations, and personal experiences continue to add to the gender-related information individuals store in their minds.
People often make decisions—about careers, relationships, appearance, or parenting—based on their internalized gender schemas, sometimes without even realizing it.
A woman might hesitate to pursue a career in engineering not because of lack of interest or ability, but because her gender schema doesn’t include women in technical roles.
Similarly, a man might avoid expressing vulnerability because his schema associates masculinity with emotional toughness.
One of the strengths of the cognitive approach is that it recognizes the active role individuals play in interpreting the world around them.
It doesn’t view people as passive recipients of gender roles, but as thinkers who are constantly organizing, updating, and reinforcing their understanding of gender.
This also offers hope for change. If gender schemas are constructed through experience and thought, they can also be reshaped through new experiences, education, and conscious reflection.
For example, when children are exposed to diverse role models—female scientists, male teachers, non-binary individuals—they are more likely to expand their schemas and become more accepting of non-traditional gender roles.
Similarly, educational programs that encourage critical thinking and challenge stereotypes can help young people question rigid beliefs and think more flexibly about gender. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Adults can also unlearn outdated gender schemas through self-awareness and open dialogue, especially in changing work environments and evolving social norms.
However, the cognitive approach is not without its limitations. It tends to focus heavily on internal mental processes and may sometimes overlook the powerful role of social, emotional, and unconscious influences on gender development.
It also doesn’t fully address the emotional cost of conforming to rigid gender schemas or the societal pressures that reinforce them.
For instance, while a boy may cognitively understand that crying is not “unmanly,” he may still suppress his emotions due to fear of ridicule or rejection.
In such cases, emotional and social reinforcement also need to be considered alongside cognitive development.
Assignment Two
Q 3. Elucidate the measurement of gender role attitudes.
Ans. The measurement of gender role attitudes refers to assessing individuals’ beliefs, perceptions, and expectations about the appropriate roles and behaviors of men and women in society. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
These attitudes are shaped by cultural norms, upbringing, education, personal experiences, and societal changes.
Understanding and measuring these attitudes is essential in social psychology, gender studies, and even in policy-making, as they influence behaviors, career choices, relationships, and broader social dynamics.
Since gender roles are not fixed and can vary across cultures and generations, their measurement requires tools that are both sensitive and adaptable to different contexts.
Over the years, researchers have developed several reliable methods and standardized scales to assess gender role attitudes.
One of the earliest and most influential tools is the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI), developed by Sandra Bem in the 1970s.
This scale measures how much a person identifies with traditionally masculine traits (like assertiveness, independence) and feminine traits (like warmth, sensitivity).
Rather than placing people strictly into male or female categories, the BSRI allows individuals to be categorized as masculine, feminine, androgynous, or undifferentiated, based on their scores.
This tool helped shift the understanding of gender roles from being binary to being more flexible and spectrum-based.
Another widely used instrument is the Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS), which evaluates people’s views on the rights and roles of women in society.
It contains statements related to employment, education, politics, and family life, and respondents are asked to agree or disagree.
A person with traditional gender role attitudes might agree that “a woman’s place is in the home,” while someone with egalitarian attitudes would disagree.
The AWS is useful in identifying generational shifts in attitudes and how education or social exposure can influence gender perceptions.
The Gender Role Attitudes Scale (GRAS) is another tool that measures beliefs about the roles of men and women in various life domains such as work, family, leadership, and emotional expression. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
It often distinguishes between traditional and non-traditional views. For instance, a traditional view might suggest that men should be the primary breadwinners, while non-traditional views promote equal sharing of responsibilities.
In more recent times, with evolving gender discourse, there has been a need for updated tools that account for the complexity and fluidity of gender identities.
Scales like the Gender Ideology Scale, Modern Sexism Scale, and Ambivalent Sexism Inventory assess more nuanced beliefs, including subtle or indirect forms of gender bias.
These tools help researchers capture not just overt attitudes, but also underlying stereotypes and unconscious biases that individuals may hold.
Besides standardized scales, qualitative methods like interviews, open-ended surveys, and focus groups are also used to gain deeper insights into personal and cultural perspectives on gender roles.
These methods are particularly useful in cross-cultural studies, where predefined scales might not fully capture the diversity of gender expressions and attitudes.
Q 4. How is violence against women defined? Discuss the different perspectives for the causes of violence against women.
Ans. Violence against women is defined as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm or suffering to women. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
This includes threats, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.
The United Nations has recognized violence against women as a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which has led to domination and discrimination.
This violence can take various forms, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, dowry-related violence, acid attacks, human trafficking, honor killings, and cyber harassment.
It affects women of all ages, backgrounds, and regions, cutting across social, cultural, and economic boundaries.
Understanding the causes of violence against women requires examining multiple perspectives, each offering insights into the complex and deeply rooted nature of the problem.
From a psychological perspective, violence can stem from individual issues like personality disorders, low impulse control, or a history of witnessing or experiencing abuse. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Men who grew up in violent households may internalize aggressive behavior as a norm. However, this view alone cannot explain the widespread prevalence of gender-based violence.
The sociocultural perspective highlights how patriarchal norms and rigid gender roles contribute significantly to violence.
In many societies, women are still seen as subordinate to men, and violence becomes a tool to control, punish, or assert dominance over them.
Practices like child marriage, dowry demands, and limitations on women’s mobility are rooted in deeply held cultural beliefs that perpetuate inequality. Social tolerance of violence, victim-blaming attitudes, and lack of legal enforcement further embolden perpetrators.
The economic perspective focuses on financial dependency and lack of resources as factors that trap women in abusive situations.
Women with limited access to education, employment, and financial support are more vulnerable to violence and less likely to leave abusive relationships.
Economic stress, unemployment, and substance abuse among men also play a role in triggering violence in households.
A legal and institutional perspective sheds light on how inadequate laws, delayed justice, and insensitive law enforcement fail to protect women.
In many cases, the fear of stigma or lack of faith in the system prevents women from reporting abuse. The failure of institutions to act decisively reinforces the cycle of violence. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Q 5. Discuss the prevalence of mental health conditions among LGBT individuals.
Ans. The prevalence of mental health conditions among LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) individuals is significantly higher compared to the general population, largely due to the unique social challenges and discrimination they face.
While being LGBT is not a mental illness, the mental health disparities in this community are primarily a result of minority stress—a theory that explains how stigma, prejudice, and discrimination create a hostile environment that contributes to chronic stress and emotional distress.
Many LGBT individuals, especially during adolescence and early adulthood, struggle with rejection from family, bullying in schools, social isolation, and sometimes even violence, which can lead to long-term psychological consequences.
Studies show that LGBT individuals are at a higher risk for conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For example, research consistently indicates that LGBT youth are nearly four to five times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.
Transgender individuals, in particular, face elevated risks due to gender dysphoria, societal non-acceptance, and limited access to gender-affirming care.
Many also suffer from internalized homophobia or transphobia, which further damages self-esteem and mental well-being.
Another contributing factor to mental health challenges is healthcare discrimination. Many LGBT people avoid seeking professional help because of fear of being judged, misunderstood, or mistreated by medical professionals.
In many places, there is still a lack of culturally competent mental health services that are inclusive and affirming of different gender identities and sexual orientations.
This not only reduces access to support but also deepens feelings of isolation and helplessness. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Family rejection is another powerful stressor. When an LGBT person is not accepted by their own family, it can lead to homelessness, financial instability, and a profound sense of abandonment.
This emotional trauma can manifest in long-term depression and anxiety.
On the other hand, studies show that family support acts as a strong protective factor—reducing suicide rates, improving self-worth, and promoting resilience among LGBT individuals.
Despite the challenges, increased visibility, awareness campaigns, supportive laws, and mental health advocacy have helped in creating more safe spaces for LGBT people today than in the past.
However, there is still a long way to go. Mental health support for LGBT individuals needs to be not just accessible but empathetic, informed, and inclusive.
Assignment Three
Q 6. Gender prejudice
Ans. Gender prejudice refers to preconceived opinions or discriminatory attitudes based on a person’s gender, often leading to unfair treatment and unequal opportunities.
It stems from deep-rooted societal norms and stereotypes that assign fixed roles, characteristics, and behaviors to individuals based on whether they are male or female. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
This bias typically manifests in subtle and overt ways across different areas of life—such as in families, schools, workplaces, media, and legal systems.
For example, the belief that men are naturally better leaders or that women are more emotional and less capable of handling pressure reflects gender prejudice.
These assumptions not only restrict individual potential but also perpetuate inequality in society.
One of the most damaging aspects of gender prejudice is that it can begin early in life, shaping how children view themselves and others.
Girls may be discouraged from pursuing careers in science or leadership, while boys may be told not to show emotion or engage in caregiving roles.
Such conditioning affects self-esteem, career choices, and mental health. In workplaces, gender prejudice can lead to wage gaps, fewer promotions for women, and underrepresentation in decision-making roles.
Overcoming gender prejudice requires challenging long-standing norms, educating people about equality, and creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access to opportunities and respect.
Encouraging open dialogue, representation, and policy change are essential steps.
Ultimately, addressing gender prejudice is not just about fairness—it’s about unlocking the full potential of individuals and creating a more balanced and compassionate society. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Q 7. Sex-typing and Androgyny
Ans. Sex-typing refers to the process by which individuals learn and adopt behaviors, attitudes, and roles considered appropriate for their biological sex based on cultural and societal expectations.
From early childhood, boys and girls are often socialized differently—boys may be encouraged to be assertive and competitive, while girls might be taught to be nurturing and gentle.
These learned behaviors form gender identities that align with traditional masculine or feminine roles.
For example, a boy who avoids crying and enjoys rough play may be seen as sex-typed toward masculinity, while a girl who enjoys helping others and prefers soft-spoken behavior may be sex-typed toward femininity.
While sex-typing helps individuals relate to their social environment, strict adherence can sometimes limit personal growth and reinforce stereotypes.
Androgyny, on the other hand, is the blending or balancing of both masculine and feminine traits within a single individual.
An androgynous person might be assertive yet empathetic, competitive yet caring—demonstrating flexibility in behavior regardless of gender norms.
The concept gained prominence through Sandra Bem’s work, particularly the Bem Sex Role Inventory, which suggested that people with androgynous traits are often more adaptable and mentally healthy because they are not confined by rigid gender roles. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Rather than limiting themselves to traditional expectations, androgynous individuals can respond to situations with a wider range of emotional and behavioral tools.
Q 8. Role of culture and religion in gender socialization
Ans. Culture and religion play a powerful role in shaping gender socialization, deeply influencing how individuals learn to behave, think, and express themselves based on their gender.
From birth, cultural norms subtly begin to dictate what is expected of boys and girls—ranging from the clothes they wear and the toys they play with to the careers they are encouraged to pursue and the values they are taught to uphold.
In many societies, culture promotes the idea that men should be strong, dominant, and providers, while women should be nurturing, obedient, and caregivers.
These expectations are often passed down through generations and become deeply embedded in daily life.
Religion also significantly impacts gender socialization by reinforcing gender roles through sacred texts, religious teachings, and practices.
Many religious traditions promote clearly defined roles for men and women within families and communities. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
For instance, in some religious interpretations, men may be seen as spiritual leaders or heads of households, while women are encouraged to focus on family duties.
These religious messages are often absorbed from an early age and influence how individuals perceive their identity, duties, and boundaries.
However, both culture and religion are not static. Interpretations and practices evolve over time, and in many communities, religious and cultural reformers have challenged rigid gender roles to promote equality and inclusivity.
Ultimately, while culture and religion provide structure and meaning in people’s lives, it’s essential to reflect on how they can either reinforce stereotypes or support a more balanced and fair understanding of gender.
Q 9. Sex differences in morbidity
Ans. Sex differences in morbidity refer to the variations in the patterns, frequency, and types of illnesses experienced by males and females.
While men and women may be equally susceptible to certain diseases, studies have shown that women generally report higher rates of morbidity, meaning they experience more illness or health-related issues over their lifetime, even though men tend to have higher mortality rates. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
This phenomenon, sometimes called the “morbidity–mortality paradox,” highlights that women often live longer but may suffer from more chronic conditions, while men die earlier but may not report or experience illness as frequently.
Several biological, social, and psychological factors contribute to these differences.
Biologically, hormonal differences—such as estrogen in women—can influence the immune system and vulnerability to specific diseases. Women are also more likely to suffer from autoimmune disorders, arthritis, and depression.
On the other hand, men are more prone to life-threatening conditions like heart disease at a younger age.
Socially and culturally, women are more likely to seek medical help and report symptoms, leading to higher recorded morbidity rates. Men, due to social norms around masculinity, may ignore symptoms or delay treatment.
Moreover, the role of gendered responsibilities also impacts health. Women, especially in traditional settings, may face more physical and emotional stress due to caregiving roles and lesser access to healthcare, contributing to long-term health problems.
Q 10. Friendships in old age
Ans. Friendships in old age play a deeply meaningful and often underestimated role in enhancing emotional well-being, mental health, and overall quality of life.
As people grow older, they may face significant life changes such as retirement, the loss of a spouse, declining health, or distance from family members.
In such times, friendships become a powerful source of emotional support, companionship, and identity. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
Unlike earlier stages of life where social connections are often tied to work or parenting, friendships in old age are more intentional and based on mutual respect, shared memories, and emotional closeness.
Older adults often value quality over quantity when it comes to relationships. They tend to maintain a smaller circle of close friends who truly understand and support them.
These friendships help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among the elderly and can severely affect physical and mental health.
Engaging in conversations, sharing life experiences, or simply spending time together provides comfort, reduces stress, and even improves cognitive functioning.
Moreover, friendships can give older adults a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it’s participating in community activities, going for walks, or simply checking in on each other, these connections keep them engaged with life and promote a positive outlook. BPCG 176 Free Solved Assignment 2024
In some cases, friendships may even become a substitute for lost family ties, forming chosen families based on trust and care.
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