Question

In what way did the gender role theory of Eleanor Maccoby differ from that of Sigmund Freud?

a) Maccoby focused on the Oedipus complex, while Freud did not.
b) Maccoby emphasized the role of cultural and societal factors, while Freud emphasized biological factors.
c) Maccoby's theory was entirely different from Freud's.
d) Maccoby and Freud had identical views on gender roles.

Answer 1

Eleanor Maccoby's gender role theory focused on cultural and societal influences, diverging from Sigmund Freud's emphasis on biological determinants, like the Oedipus complex. This distinction highlights their differing perspectives on the origins of gender roles. Thus correct is option b) Maccoby emphasized the role of cultural and societal factors, while Freud emphasized biological factors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Eleanor Maccoby's gender role theory diverged from Sigmund Freud's primarily in their emphasis on influencing factors. Maccoby's approach underscored the significance of cultural and societal elements, suggesting that gender roles are shaped by external forces. In contrast, Freud's perspective leaned heavily on biological determinants, such as the Oedipus complex and innate instincts. The key distinction lies in the origin of gender roles – Maccoby attributed them to external influences, whereas Freud focused on internal and instinctual factors.

Maccoby's departure from Freud is evident in her consideration of cultural and societal contexts as major contributors to the development of gender roles. Maccoby argued that socialization processes, peer interactions, and cultural norms play pivotal roles in shaping an individual's gender identity and behavior. Freud, on the other hand, posited a more intrinsic and biologically determined foundation for gender roles, often rooted in psychosexual development.

Maccoby's theory, by giving prominence to external factors, widened the scope of understanding gender roles beyond Freud's biological framework. In essence, while Freud and Maccoby both contributed significantly to the study of gender roles, their theories diverged in the key determinants they assigned to the development of these roles. Maccoby's emphasis on cultural and societal influences expanded the theoretical landscape, offering a more comprehensive view of the complex interplay between individual psychology and external factors in shaping gender roles. Therefore option b is the correct option.

Answer 2

Eleanor Maccoby's gender role theory focused on cultural and societal influences, diverging from Sigmund Freud's emphasis on biological determinants, like the Oedipus complex. This distinction highlights their differing perspectives on the origins of gender roles.Thus option b is the correct option.

Step-by-step explanation:

Eleanor Maccoby's gender role theory diverged from Sigmund Freud's primarily in their emphasis on influencing factors. Maccoby's approach underscored the significance of cultural and societal elements, suggesting that gender roles are shaped by external forces. In contrast, Freud's perspective leaned heavily on biological determinants, such as the Oedipus complex and innate instincts. The key distinction lies in the origin of gender roles – Maccoby attributed them to external influences, whereas Freud focused on internal and instinctual factors.

Maccoby's departure from Freud is evident in her consideration of cultural and societal contexts as major contributors to the development of gender roles. Maccoby argued that socialization processes, peer interactions, and cultural norms play pivotal roles in shaping an individual's gender identity and behavior. Freud, on the other hand, posited a more intrinsic and biologically determined foundation for gender roles, often rooted in psychosexual development.

Maccoby's theory, by giving prominence to external factors, widened the scope of understanding gender roles beyond Freud's biological framework.

In essence, while Freud and Maccoby both contributed significantly to the study of gender roles, their theories diverged in the key determinants they assigned to the development of these roles. Maccoby's emphasis on cultural and societal influences expanded the theoretical landscape, offering a more comprehensive view of the complex interplay between individual psychology and external factors in shaping gender roles.

Therefore option b is the correct option.