Develop a 2–3 page paper in which you compare and contrast two gender identity theories and apply one theory to your own gender identity development or to that of someone you know.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
- Competency 1: Apply scholarly research findings to topics in human sexuality.
- Summarize two gender identity theories that explain the process of gender identity development.
- Apply a theory to explain a case of gender identity development.
- Competency 2: Apply scholarly research findings to topics in human sexuality.
- Support the application of theories with scholarly or professionally credible sources.
- Competency 4: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
- Communicate gender identity theories in a manner that conveys understanding of concepts and clearly supports central ideas and conclusions.
- Write in a manner that is coherent and supports the central idea using APA standards as required and correct grammar, usage, and mechanics.
APA Resources
Because this is a psychology course, you need to format this assessment according to APA guidelines. Additional resources about APA can be found in the Research Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom. Use the resources to guide your work as needed.
- American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Available from the bookstore.
- APA Paper Template [DOCX].
Suggested Resources
The resources provided here are optional and support the assessment. They provide helpful information about the topics. You may use other resources of your choice to prepare for this assessment; however, you will need to ensure that they are appropriate, credible, and valid. The PSYC-FP2800 – Introduction to Human Sexuality Library Guide can help direct your research. The Supplemental Resources and Research Resources, both linked from the left navigation menu in your courseroom, provide additional resources to help support you.
Gender Development
- Kelly, G. F. (2015). Sexuality today (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Available from the bookstore.
- The chapters in this resource provide a foundation for understanding gender development.
- Chapter 1, “Cultural, Historical, and Research Perspectives on Sexuality,” pages 4–31.
- Chapter 2, “Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology,” pages 32–57.
- Chapter 3, “Male Sexual Anatomy and Physiology,” pages 58–75.
- Chapter 4, “Human Sexual Arousal and Response,” pages 76–98.
- Chapter 5, “Developmental and Social Perspectives on Gender,” pages 99–129.
- FMG Video.
- Click the following link to view a video purchased through Films Media Group for use in this Capella course. Any distribution of video content or associated links is prohibited.
- Sex in ’69: Sexual Revolution in America | Transcript.
- This A&E; Special travels back to 1969 to explore America’s sexual revolution—a psychedelic time that gave birth to the concept of free love, saw the invention of “the pill,” and embraced a whole new perspective on human sexuality. From the Playboy Penthouse in Los Angeles, to San Francisco’s hippie crash pads, to New York’s gay baths, Sex in ’69 plots out the seismic cultural shifts that changed buttoned-up American culture so dramatically, molding an entire generation in the process. Distributed by A&E; Television Networks.
- Running time: 120 minutes.
Gender Identity Theory
- Denton, J. M. (2016). Critical and poststructural perspectives on sexual identity formation. New Directions for Student Services, 2016(154), 57–69.
- This resource explores different theories on gender identity development.
- Gardner, S. (2015). Choice theory: Gender roles and identity. International Journal of Choice Theory & Reality Therapy, 35(1), 31–36.
- This resource explores gender identity theory.
- Johnston, L. (2016). Gender and sexuality I. Progress In Human Geography, 40(5), 668–678.
- This resource explains categories of gender identity.
- Mottier, V. (2008). Sexuality: A very short introduction. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
- Robbins, C. K., & McGowan, B. L. (2016). Intersectional perspectives on gender and gender identity development. New Directions for Student Services, 2016(154), 71–83.
- This resource explores different theories on gender identity development.
Examples of Current Research
These resources provide examples of applied research focusing on gender identity. Search the Capella University Library for other peer-reviewed articles to support the application of theory in your assessment.
- Ecklund, K. (2012). Intersectionality of identity in children: A case study. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 43(3), 256–264.
- Espelage, D. L. (2016). Sexual orientation and gender identity in schools: A call for more research in school psychology—No more excuses. Journal of School Psychology, 54, 5–8.
- Gregor, C., Hingley-Jones, H., & Davidson, S. (2015). Understanding the experience of parents of pre-pubescent children with gender identity issues. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 32(3), 237–246.
- Iorga, A. M. (2015). The role of family socializing in building gender identity [PDF]. Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development, 15(2), 161–166.
- Wood, W., & Eagly, A. H. (2015). Two traditions of research on gender identity. Sex Roles, 73(11-12), 461–473.
Write a 2–3 page paper in which you complete the following:
- Compare and contrast two gender identity theories.
- Apply one theory to your own gender identity development or to that of someone you know.
Your paper should follow a logical structure and be evidence based. Use the MEAL plan to help guide the organization of your paper:
- Main Idea: Present the main point or idea that you are making about yourself or another individual.
- Evidence: Tell a story about your own gender identity development or that of another person, and support your observations with evidence from the literature.
- Application: Summarize the main ideas from articles related to your main idea. Identify concepts that relate directly or indirectly to your main point. Make explicit links between the source articles and your current paper.
- Link: Connect what you have learned from your research in your paper by integrating and combining information from your source articles with your own experience or the experience of someone you know.
Conduct independent research for resources and references to support your paper. Provide a reference list and in-text citations, in APA format, for all of your resources. You may cite texts and authors from the suggested resources as well as any additional reputable resources you find on your own.
If you wish, you may use the APA Paper Template (linked in the Resources under the APA Resources heading) to complete your paper. In addition, you are urged to use the resources in Capella University’s Writing Center to help you develop clear and effective writing. In the Writing Center, you will be able to receive feedback on your writing, use writing resources, discover new writing strategies, and explore different ways to draft, revise, edit, and proofread your own work.
Additional Requirements
- Written Communication: Ensure that your writing is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
- APA Formatting: Format resources and in-text citations according to current APA style.
- Number of Resources: Use a minimum of two scholarly resources.
- Length: The paper should be 2–3 pages in content length. Include a separate title page and a separate references page.
- Font and Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 point, double-spaced. Use Microsoft Word.
