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kendall :)
11/27/2025
AP Psychology
6.7 Gender and Sexual Orientation
1 / 6
Introduction to Gender and Sexual Orientation
Psychology dedicates significant research to understanding gender and sexual orientation as fundamental aspects of human experience. These studies help us unpack how people develop their sense of self and navigate social relationships.
The insights gained from this field affect everyone - from how we understand ourselves to how we interact with others at school, home, and eventually in the workplace. Whether you realize it or not, concepts of gender and sexual orientation shape many aspects of daily life.
Think About It: Have you noticed how expectations about "how boys should act" or "what girls should like" have affected choices you or your friends have made?
Gender Identity Development
Gender identity is your internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither. While it typically aligns with biological sex, for transgender individuals, these differ. This inner sense of gender develops through a fascinating mix of biological and social influences.
Biological factors play a significant role in gender identity formation. Scientists have found that exposure to hormones like androgens before birth and certain genetic factors can influence how gender identity develops in the brain.
The development of gender identity isn't just about biology, though. Psychological and social influences also shape how we understand our gender. These include family dynamics, peer relationships, and the cultural messages we receive about gender.
Real-World Connection: When you choose activities, clothes, or even how to express yourself, you're navigating aspects of gender identity that have both biological foundations and social dimensions.
Gender Roles and Stereotypes
Gender roles are the behaviors and attitudes society expects from people based on their gender. Think about how certain careers, hobbies, or even colors become labeled as "for boys" or "for girls." These expectations vary dramatically between cultures and change over time.
What was considered "masculine" or "feminine" fifty years ago might seem outdated today. For example, pink was once considered a masculine color, while fields like computer programming were dominated by women before becoming male-dominated.
Gender stereotypes are oversimplified beliefs about how men and women should be. These stereotypes can limit opportunities and affect how people view themselves. When someone says "boys don't cry" or "girls aren't good at math," they're expressing harmful stereotypes that don't reflect reality.
Challenge Yourself: Next time you make a decision or judgment based on gender, ask yourself: "Is this based on a stereotype or on the actual abilities and interests of the person?"
Understanding Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation refers to the pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction a person feels toward others. These attractions may be toward people of the same gender, different gender, or multiple genders, and they typically emerge during adolescence or earlier.
The development of sexual orientation involves multiple factors. Research suggests biological influences including genetics, hormones, and brain structure may all play roles. Scientists have found evidence that sexual orientation has strong biological components and isn't simply a "choice."
Studies of identical twins show that when one twin identifies as gay or lesbian, the other has a higher likelihood of also identifying that way compared to fraternal twins. This suggests genetic factors contribute to sexual orientation.
Important Insight: Sexual orientation exists on a spectrum rather than in rigid categories. Many people's attraction patterns don't fit neatly into single labels, and that's completely normal.
Psychological and Social Aspects of Sexual Orientation
How society responds to different sexual orientations significantly impacts individuals' lives. Family acceptance, religious beliefs, and cultural attitudes all influence how people express and accept their sexual orientation.
Different psychological perspectives offer various explanations for sexual orientation. Psychoanalytic theories focus on early childhood experiences, while social constructionist approaches emphasize how cultural contexts shape our understanding of sexuality and the labels we use.
People with non-heterosexual orientations often face stigma and discrimination that can harm their mental health and well-being. Research shows higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth who experience rejection compared to those with supportive environments.
Supportive Action: Creating accepting environments where everyone feels valued regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation is something everyone can contribute to through respectful language and challenging harmful stereotypes.
LGBTQ+ Rights and Psychological Well-being
The progress in LGBTQ+ rights has been remarkable but uneven across different regions. Legal protections against discrimination, marriage equality, and greater social acceptance have improved life for many, though challenges remain.
Psychological research has played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. For example, studies demonstrating that homosexuality is not a mental disorder led to its removal from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1973, marking a turning point in how psychology approaches sexual orientation.
Understanding gender and sexual orientation requires a multidimensional approach that considers biological factors, psychological development, and social contexts. This comprehensive view helps us appreciate human diversity and the complex interplay of factors that shape identity.
Looking Forward: As you continue your education and enter adult life, the understanding of gender and sexual orientation you develop now will help you navigate diverse workplaces, relationships, and communities with greater empathy and effectiveness.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Gender and Sexual Orientation in Psychology
Gender and sexual orientation are core aspects of human identity that shape how we see ourselves and interact with others. Psychology explores these dimensions through biological, psychological, and social perspectives. Understanding these concepts helps us appreciate human diversity and the... Show more
Introduction to Gender and Sexual Orientation
Psychology dedicates significant research to understanding gender and sexual orientation as fundamental aspects of human experience. These studies help us unpack how people develop their sense of self and navigate social relationships.
The insights gained from this field affect everyone - from how we understand ourselves to how we interact with others at school, home, and eventually in the workplace. Whether you realize it or not, concepts of gender and sexual orientation shape many aspects of daily life.
Think About It: Have you noticed how expectations about "how boys should act" or "what girls should like" have affected choices you or your friends have made?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Gender Identity Development
Gender identity is your internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither. While it typically aligns with biological sex, for transgender individuals, these differ. This inner sense of gender develops through a fascinating mix of biological and social influences.
Biological factors play a significant role in gender identity formation. Scientists have found that exposure to hormones like androgens before birth and certain genetic factors can influence how gender identity develops in the brain.
The development of gender identity isn't just about biology, though. Psychological and social influences also shape how we understand our gender. These include family dynamics, peer relationships, and the cultural messages we receive about gender.
Real-World Connection: When you choose activities, clothes, or even how to express yourself, you're navigating aspects of gender identity that have both biological foundations and social dimensions.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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Gender Roles and Stereotypes
Gender roles are the behaviors and attitudes society expects from people based on their gender. Think about how certain careers, hobbies, or even colors become labeled as "for boys" or "for girls." These expectations vary dramatically between cultures and change over time.
What was considered "masculine" or "feminine" fifty years ago might seem outdated today. For example, pink was once considered a masculine color, while fields like computer programming were dominated by women before becoming male-dominated.
Gender stereotypes are oversimplified beliefs about how men and women should be. These stereotypes can limit opportunities and affect how people view themselves. When someone says "boys don't cry" or "girls aren't good at math," they're expressing harmful stereotypes that don't reflect reality.
Challenge Yourself: Next time you make a decision or judgment based on gender, ask yourself: "Is this based on a stereotype or on the actual abilities and interests of the person?"
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Understanding Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation refers to the pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction a person feels toward others. These attractions may be toward people of the same gender, different gender, or multiple genders, and they typically emerge during adolescence or earlier.
The development of sexual orientation involves multiple factors. Research suggests biological influences including genetics, hormones, and brain structure may all play roles. Scientists have found evidence that sexual orientation has strong biological components and isn't simply a "choice."
Studies of identical twins show that when one twin identifies as gay or lesbian, the other has a higher likelihood of also identifying that way compared to fraternal twins. This suggests genetic factors contribute to sexual orientation.
Important Insight: Sexual orientation exists on a spectrum rather than in rigid categories. Many people's attraction patterns don't fit neatly into single labels, and that's completely normal.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Psychological and Social Aspects of Sexual Orientation
How society responds to different sexual orientations significantly impacts individuals' lives. Family acceptance, religious beliefs, and cultural attitudes all influence how people express and accept their sexual orientation.
Different psychological perspectives offer various explanations for sexual orientation. Psychoanalytic theories focus on early childhood experiences, while social constructionist approaches emphasize how cultural contexts shape our understanding of sexuality and the labels we use.
People with non-heterosexual orientations often face stigma and discrimination that can harm their mental health and well-being. Research shows higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth who experience rejection compared to those with supportive environments.
Supportive Action: Creating accepting environments where everyone feels valued regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation is something everyone can contribute to through respectful language and challenging harmful stereotypes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
LGBTQ+ Rights and Psychological Well-being
The progress in LGBTQ+ rights has been remarkable but uneven across different regions. Legal protections against discrimination, marriage equality, and greater social acceptance have improved life for many, though challenges remain.
Psychological research has played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. For example, studies demonstrating that homosexuality is not a mental disorder led to its removal from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1973, marking a turning point in how psychology approaches sexual orientation.
Understanding gender and sexual orientation requires a multidimensional approach that considers biological factors, psychological development, and social contexts. This comprehensive view helps us appreciate human diversity and the complex interplay of factors that shape identity.
Looking Forward: As you continue your education and enter adult life, the understanding of gender and sexual orientation you develop now will help you navigate diverse workplaces, relationships, and communities with greater empathy and effectiveness.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user