THE SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER - 2022/3

Module Overview

We will discuss a number of key theories and debates in the social psychological study of gender. Key topics include gender identity, gender stereotypes, gender in applied settings such as the workplace, contemporary forms of sexism, sexual and self-objectification. Across the course, we will discuss key debates within the field. For example, arguments surround the evolutionary versus social constructed nature of gender and related behaviours (i.e. sex and relationships), binary versus fluid conceptualisation of gender identity, and the influence of prescriptive versus descriptive gender stereotypes. The course will have a social psychological focus, but where appropriate, will draw on some interdisciplinary perspectives (e.g. gender in leadership and work, feminism and resisting inequality).

Module provider

Psychology

Module Leader

HOPKINS-DOYLE Aife (Psychology)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

BSc or BA in Psychology or cognate discipline, or equivalent. This module has a capped number and may not be available to ERASMUS and other international exchange students. Please check with the departmental exchange coordinator.

Module content

 

The module will consist of 2-hour sessions divided between lecture and seminar formats which will focus on the following topics:

Indicative content includes:

• Understanding gender identity


• Gender stereotyping: how we are, and how we should to be?


• Sexism in contemporary societies: the benevolent side of inequality 


• Maternal sacrifice: gender and reproductive rights


• Sexual and Self Objectification


• Sexual relationships & sexual exchange


• Gender in action: leadership and work 


• Resisting inequality: Feminism and political participation


• Is masculinity precarious? 

 

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Presentations can be alternatively assessed by means of a video of the presentation uploaded on SurreyLearn.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

Group Presentation & Discussion (30%)

Students will work in small groups to prepare and present an empirical research paper (one a given theme). Successful completion of this assessment will demonstrate students’ ability to describe, analyse, and critically evaluate key topics in the social psychology of gender (LO 1 and 2) and to communicate complex concepts and research findings in a concise and clear way (LO 4). Students should create a 10-15 minute powerpoint presentation describing the research paper (theoretical background, hypotheses, methods, results), critically evaluate the work, and provide a detailed plan for how to address this crtique/extended the work in future research.

Research Proposal (2000 words, 70%) 

Students will choose one essay title from three options. Each essay questions relates to one of the key topics on this course. Successful completion of this assessment will demonstrate students’ ability to describe, analyse, and critically evaluate key topics in the social psychology of gender (LO 1 and 2), and demonstrate their independent thought and argumentation through written evaluation (LO 3)
 

Formative assessment & Feedback

Students will receive formative assessment through discussion questions during lectures, and in-class discussion during seminars.

Feedback

Students will receive verbal feedback during and after the lectures, and written feedback on their assignments (including presentations). Discussion boards will be available on Surreylearn.

Module aims

• Introduce students to key topics and critical debates in the social psychological study of gender
• Develop an in-depth appreciation and understanding of the ways in which gender influences self and others’ perceptions, and associated relational, occupational and political outcomes
• Enable students’ to develop of an independent ability to think, critique, and reflect on the theories, concepts, and method used in the social psychological study of gender
• Develop students’ verbal and written communication skills through presentation and critical appraisal

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Acquire knowledge about the social psychological study of gender.


• Develop an understanding of the key topics and debates in the social psychology of gender.


• Develop verbal and written skills of analysis, critique and argumentation.


• Enable and promote independent learning and thought.

The contact hours will be comprised of 11 two-hour sessions. The majority of the sessions will include a one hour oral presentation followed by group activities and class discussion (e.g., discussion of research articles; critical reviewing; classroom exercises). 

There will also be sessions will be dedicated to presentation preparation and recap/assignment preparation respectively.

 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PSYM146

Other information

Essential reading There is no core text for the course. Readings will consist mainly of (published) journal articles. Specific reading is provided weekly for each topic. Background reading • Rudman, L. A & Glick, P. (2021). The social psychology of gender: How power and intimacy shape gender relations. Second Edition. The Guildford Press • Ridgeway, C. L., & Correll, S. J. (2004). Unpacking the gender system. A theoretical perspective on gender beliefs and social relation. Gender and Society, 18, 510-531.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.