How Early Psychology Changed Gender Roles in Society
Early discoveries in psychology changed how people viewed gender. They influenced not only what gender means but also the rules society follows about men and women.
Big Ideas in Psychology:
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, psychologists like Sigmund Freud came up with ideas that helped people understand the differences between genders. Freud believed that how we grow mentally is linked to biological differences. He introduced the idea of "penis envy," suggesting that women are often defined by their relationship to men. This idea supported the belief that men were more powerful.
Mary Whiton Calkins:
Mary Whiton Calkins was one of the first female psychologists. She challenged the norms of her time by focusing on self-psychology, which highlighted the importance of the self in psychological growth. Even though Harvard refused to give her a Ph.D. because she was a woman, her work opened doors for future women in psychology. She showed that women could be just as involved in intellectual work as men.
Women in Psychology:
Over the years, more women got involved in psychology. For example, in 1980, only about 35% of people earning psychology Ph.D.s were women. But by 2020, that number grew to over 70%. With more women contributing, the topics studied in psychology began to change. Issues like women’s mental health, gender identity, and social roles started to get the attention they deserved.
Behaviorism:
In the early 20th century, behaviorism gained popularity. B.F. Skinner was one of the key figures in this movement. Behaviorism focused on what we can see—people’s actions—rather than their thoughts and feelings. This shift meant that gender issues were often ignored, as studies looked for general truths rather than considering different gender experiences.
Feminist Psychology:
By the late 20th century, feminist psychology started to take shape. Researchers like Carol Gilligan spoke out against old theories that focused too much on men. Gilligan wrote a book called "In a Different Voice," where she emphasized the significance of relationships and care in how women develop morally. Her work showed that women’s experiences and voices were often missing from traditional psychology, which usually centered on men.
Changing Views on Gender:
All these changes in psychology affected how society views gender roles. The idea that men and women can be equally capable slowly gained popularity. For example, the number of women in the workforce rose from about 29% in 1950 to nearly 60% by 2020. As women began to enter various careers, the ideas of what it means to be feminine or masculine evolved. This led to breaking down strict gender roles.
In summary, early discoveries in psychology greatly influenced gender roles in society. They helped shape new social norms, increased the number of women in psychology, and encouraged conversations about gender equality. These discussions are still important today.
How Early Psychology Changed Gender Roles in Society
Early discoveries in psychology changed how people viewed gender. They influenced not only what gender means but also the rules society follows about men and women.
Big Ideas in Psychology:
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, psychologists like Sigmund Freud came up with ideas that helped people understand the differences between genders. Freud believed that how we grow mentally is linked to biological differences. He introduced the idea of "penis envy," suggesting that women are often defined by their relationship to men. This idea supported the belief that men were more powerful.
Mary Whiton Calkins:
Mary Whiton Calkins was one of the first female psychologists. She challenged the norms of her time by focusing on self-psychology, which highlighted the importance of the self in psychological growth. Even though Harvard refused to give her a Ph.D. because she was a woman, her work opened doors for future women in psychology. She showed that women could be just as involved in intellectual work as men.
Women in Psychology:
Over the years, more women got involved in psychology. For example, in 1980, only about 35% of people earning psychology Ph.D.s were women. But by 2020, that number grew to over 70%. With more women contributing, the topics studied in psychology began to change. Issues like women’s mental health, gender identity, and social roles started to get the attention they deserved.
Behaviorism:
In the early 20th century, behaviorism gained popularity. B.F. Skinner was one of the key figures in this movement. Behaviorism focused on what we can see—people’s actions—rather than their thoughts and feelings. This shift meant that gender issues were often ignored, as studies looked for general truths rather than considering different gender experiences.
Feminist Psychology:
By the late 20th century, feminist psychology started to take shape. Researchers like Carol Gilligan spoke out against old theories that focused too much on men. Gilligan wrote a book called "In a Different Voice," where she emphasized the significance of relationships and care in how women develop morally. Her work showed that women’s experiences and voices were often missing from traditional psychology, which usually centered on men.
Changing Views on Gender:
All these changes in psychology affected how society views gender roles. The idea that men and women can be equally capable slowly gained popularity. For example, the number of women in the workforce rose from about 29% in 1950 to nearly 60% by 2020. As women began to enter various careers, the ideas of what it means to be feminine or masculine evolved. This led to breaking down strict gender roles.
In summary, early discoveries in psychology greatly influenced gender roles in society. They helped shape new social norms, increased the number of women in psychology, and encouraged conversations about gender equality. These discussions are still important today.