Title: AQA Psychology A Unit 3: Discuss cultural influences on gender role. (8 marks + 16 marks)
Headings: AQA Psychology A Unit 3
AQA Psychology A Unit 3
Discuss cultural influences on gender role. (8 marks + 16 marks)

Content: However, this difference varies across cultures: Berry et al. reported that differences in conformity between men and  women are highest in tight, sedentary societies. This shows a cultural  influence on gender role. There is an  alternative explanation for this finding that division of labour is  largely universal: this division may be an indirect outcome of biological  differences rather than a direct outcome. Eagly and Wood’s biosocial theory suggests  that physical differences (e.g. women bearing children and men generally  being physically stronger) lead to social role differences which in turn  create psychological differences. This suggests that social and cultural  factors explain role division. Eagly and Wood  supported this view by analysing Buss’ data on sex differences in mate preferences  (he found that men seek physical attractiveness while women seek  resources). Eagly and Wood found that in cultures where women had a higher  status, sex differences in mating preferences were less pronounced.