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N209: Reproductive Health Study Guide an internalized part of the way we think about ourselves • Gender socialization: The process through which individuals learn the gender norms of their society and come to develop an internal gender identity Gender and Developmental Changes • Gender identity develops between 18 months and three years of age. • A child observes and imitates role models to learn gender typical behaviors (gender typing). • Families plan an important role in gender role socialization by how they organize the environment for the child (boys and girls are dressed differently, given different types of toys to play with, and have a decorated environment according to gender). • There is no evidence of differences in the gender roles of boys and girls raised in gay or lesbian families. • Parental power has a great impact on sex typing in boys, but not in girls. • Parental characteristics influence gender typing in terms of the role models that are available for the child to imitate. • Girls and boys are viewed and treated differently by their parents, particularly their fathers. Paternal Influence in Gender Absence of the father has been related to disruptions in gender typing in preadolescent boys. The absence of the father for girls has been related to problems in relationships with peers of the opposite sex for adolescent females; studies have shown that these effects can be long-lasting, extending to marital choices. 1.6 Sexual Response The sexual response cycle refers to the sequence of physical and emotional changes that occur as a person becomes sexually aroused and participates in sexually stimulating activity. Sexual Response Cycle Phases Phase 1: Excitement • Can last from a few minutes to several hours • Increase in muscle tension • Heart rate increases, breathing is accelerated, and the skin is flushed • Nipples harden and become erect • Increase in blood flow to the genitals (swelling of the clitoris and penile erection) • Vaginal lubrication begins, the vaginal walls begin to swell, and breasts become fuller • Testes swell, scrotum tightens, and the male begins secreting a lubricating liquid

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