Start Date
2 October, 2025
There will be 5 weekly meetings on Thursday, 11am - 1pm, starting from 2 October.
Overview
Gender has always been one of the most fascinating (not to mention controversial!) areas of psychology.
On this course we shall briefly survey the biological grounding of gender, before examining theories trying to explain gender acquisition. Some theories emphasise gender differences, invoking inherited factors and evolution; some stress social and cultural factors in establishing ‘normative’ roles or even ‘constructing’ gender identities; others talk in terms of developmental processes to which biology and culture both contribute. We shall end with consideration of issues of ‘non-normative’ gender, and how these have been addressed.
Ideologies, even political doctrines, have always played a role in debates relating to gender, and we shall acknowledge their involvement, but our focus will be primarily on psychological theory and research. Everyone is cordially invited to evaluate the evidence and draw their own conclusions! No previous experience or study in this area is required, only an inquisitive and open mind. The course is intended for newcomers and practitioners in relevant professions alike.
Syllabus
Week 1: Introduction – concepts of ‘sex’ and ‘gender’, the biological evidence.
The ‘nature-nurture’ debate.
Week 2: The ‘nurture’ case – Social Learning Theory; Social Constructionism
Week 3: The ‘nature’ case - Evolutionary approaches and reproductive strategems.
Week 4: The developmental approach – Freud and the Oedipus complex; Melanie Klein and object relations; recent updates; Cognitive-Developmental Theory
Week 5: Overview; Psychiatry and gender; Contemporary gender issues.
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.
In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: David Rice
David Rice has a BA (Hons) in psychology, and an MA in Cultural Studies, and has taught psychology at further and higher education levels for forty years. Retired from full time education, he has been teaching part-time at Continuing Education, University of Liverpool for nearly 10 years.
Courses fees: Full fee £80/Concession £40.
Back to: Continuing Education