Behavioral flexibility refers to individuals being free to choose who they want to be when they want to do so. In the context of androgyny, this may mean that a male can choose whether they want to be tough or nurturing in a situation- one need not possess all traits all the time. To continue, there is importance in securing one gender identity first as this enables one to not sacrifice their masculinity or femininity for the sake of exploring a gender that is not their own. Androgynous males are still aware of their masculinity just as androgynous females are of their femininity, however, illustrating both masculine and feminine traits without this basic concept may leave one having lower self-esteem because of over-doing androgyny and thus being rejected by others. Finding a healthy balance and knowing yourself first enables one to reap the benefits, rather than risks, of behavioral flexibility.
6. Briefly outline the key aspects of the evolutionary perspective on gender typing and gender-role development. What criticisms have been brought against this theoretical perspective?
Gender typing and gender role development is applicable to the evolutionary perspective, or the notion that differences in the world allow for adaptation. Key aspects of this theory involve males and females being
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The key aspects surrounding this theory emphasize the genetic and hormonal factors present during the prenatal period which ultimately influence how one is socialized. Parents observe whether their child is a boy or girl and shape certain opportunities and environments to fit this biological essence- it is difficult to separate the two and one must exist for the other to occur. Despite evidence supporting the biological and social interplay, others have argued why children may adopt non-traditional gender identities despite parents socializing against