Course Resources Archive

This module focuses on sex and gender from a variety of theoretical perspectives in Psychology. It investigates gender difference research, the reasons why that was so attractive and its limitations, before focussing on sexualities and development of gender identities across the lifespan. The module considers a number of areas where the Psychology of Gender and Sexuality intersects with applied topics, including education, sex crimes and body image in order to focus upon the interaction between psychological knowledge and application.

Perspectives in psychology towards sex and gender, essentialist and constructionist accounts of sex and gender.

Meta analytical techniques and evidence about sex differences

Feminism and psychology, the range of feminist perspectives.

Historical antecedents of sex and gender within psychology.

Queer Theory, implications for gender and sexuality.

Domains of professional practice, for example mental health, education, the criminal justice system and occupational psychology.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1.  Critically analyse the role of psychology in creating and maintaining ideas about sex, gender and sexuality.
2. Critically evaluate alternatives to mainstream psychology, and the different characterisations they present of sex and gender
3. Interrogate the relationship between evidence theory and practise in psychology with relation to gender and sexuality..
4. Evaluate psychological theory with relation to gender and sexuality.
5. Reflect on the need for a multiple theoretical perspectives to understand complex phenomena.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.