Psychology of Women

Journal Ideas

Due Thursday, Nov. 5

The purpose of the journal is for you to write about your reactions and your experiences related to the psychology of women.  The journal is not required.  It is a way, however, for you to reflect on the course material and to earn extra points.  You may react to issues raised in text reading, class lectures, discussions, and films.  You may also include personal experiences that relate to the issues.  Journals are always optional.  

·         Each journal entry is worth 1 point.  You may submit up to 5 journal entries at a time.  There is a limit of 15 points for the semester.  There will be five opportunities to submit journal entries.

·         Each entry must consist of at least a full paragraph consisting of several sentences.

·         Journal entries must be typed. 

Here are some possible issues you can write about in your journal entries.  These are only suggestions; you are not limited to these topics. 

·         Discuss a friendship you have with a woman.  Does your friendship fit the gender patterns discussed in the text? (page 195)

·         What is dating like on the modern campus?

·         What does “hooking up” mean to you?  If you have ever had a hook-up, how did you feel about it afterwards? 

·         Ask a few of your female friends and a few of your male friends about their attitudes toward casual sex.  For example, would they have sex with an attractive stranger?  Compare their answers.  Are they what you expected?

·         Do you think there is a double standard for sexual behavior?  That is, are men and women who are sexually active judged differently?  Explain.  If you think a double standard exists, do you think it impacts women’s sexual behavior (e.g., their willingness to express sexual desire, or to plan to use contraception)?

·         Although statistics indicate that both women and men who are married are report higher life satisfaction than unmarried individuals, women initiate more divorces than do men.  Speculate as to why more divorces are initiated by women.

·         Do you think that someday you will marry?  What are your expectations about marriage? That is, what do you think it will be like to be married?

·         If you are married, is being married what you expected it to be?  What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting married?

·         What do you think are some advantages and disadvantages to being single? 

·         Describe the power balance in a couple you know well (including yourself and a partner).

·         What is your opinion of same sex marriage?

·         Do you think there continues to be high levels of heterosexism (or homophobia) in North American culture?

·         Do you want to be a parent someday?  Discuss your reasons for either wanting or not wanting to be a parent.  If you are ambivalent – you can also discuss your feelings about parenthood.

·         What are your attitudes about nonparental daycare for young children?  Did the discussion of current research findings in the text have any effect on your attitudes?

·         What are your expectations about pregnancy and childbirth? If you have given birth, discuss the experience.

·         What is your attitude regarding abortion and allowing women access to abortion?