Unit – V
Gender and Interpersonal Relationship
Gender Stereotyping – nature and correlates, basis of gender identity and gender stereotypes,
gender role.
Interpersonal relationship (Definition) - Determinants of interpersonal attraction- Internal:
Need to affiliate and the role of affect, External: Proximity and others’ observable
characteristics, and Interactive: Similarity of attitudes, values and personal characteristics,
Mutual evaluations.
Romantic relationships: Forms of love- Passionate and Compassionate love, Sternberg’s
triangular theory of love
Gender Stereotyping – nature and correlates, basis of gender identity and gender
stereotypes, gender role.
Gender Stereotyping – Nature and Correlates
Gender stereotyping refers to the generalized views or preconceptions about attributes or roles
that are or ought to be possessed by, or performed by, women and men. These stereotypes are
learned from culture, media, education, and social interactions. For example, the belief that
women are more emotional or nurturing, while men are more assertive and logical, are gender
stereotypes.
Correlates
These stereotypes are linked to behaviors, attitudes, and expectations in society. They affect
how individuals see themselves (self-concept), their career choices, and even how others treat
them. For instance, women may be discouraged from leadership roles because of the stereotype
that men are better decision-makers.
A teacher expecting girls to do better in reading and boys to do better in math may
unintentionally reinforce these stereotypes, affecting students' performance and confidence.
Basis of Gender Identity and Gender Stereotypes
Basis of Gender Identity
Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither.
It begins to form in early childhood through biological influences (like hormones) and social
influences (like parental behavior and cultural expectations). Social learning theory
(Bandura) suggests that children learn gender roles by observing and imitating others and
being rewarded or punished for gendered behavior.
Basis of Gender Stereotypes
These are based on cultural norms, historical roles, and social structures. Evolutionary
psychology explains some differences as adaptive, but many stereotypes persist due to
repeated exposure and reinforcement in social environments.
A girl praised for playing with dolls and discouraged from playing with trucks may internalize
the idea that nurturing roles are "for girls," shaping her gender identity and reinforcing
stereotypes.
Gender Role
A gender role is the set of social and behavioral norms that are considered appropriate for
individuals of a specific sex within a culture. These roles influence how people behave, dress,
and interact with others.
According to role theory, people act in ways that are expected of them in particular roles.
Gender roles are not biologically fixed; they are shaped by social expectations and can
change over time. As society evolves, so do gender roles.
Traditionally, women were expected to be homemakers and men to be breadwinners. Today,
both men and women can share work and home responsibilities, showing how gender roles
are socially constructed and can shift.
Interpersonal relationship (Definition) - Determinants of interpersonal attraction-
Internal: Need to affiliate and the role of affect, External: Proximity and others’
observable characteristics, and Interactive: Similarity of attitudes, values and personal
characteristics, Mutual evaluations.
An interpersonal relationship is a strong, deep, or close association or acquaintance between
two or more people. These relationships can be based on love, friendship, mutual interests,
work, or social roles. They involve communication, emotional connection, and social
exchange, and they develop over time through repeated interactions.
A friendship between classmates who study together, share personal stories, and support each
other during exams is an interpersonal relationship.
Determinants of Interpersonal Attraction
❖ Internal Factors
1. Need to Affiliate
This refers to a person’s desire to form social bonds and belong to a group. According to social
psychology, humans have a basic psychological need to connect with others (as proposed by
Baumeister & Leary's "need to belong" theory). People with a high need to affiliate are more
likely to seek out companionship and build relationships.
A new student in college might try to join clubs or talk to classmates more often because they
want to make friends and not feel lonely.
2. Role of Affect (Emotions and Mood)
Affect refers to the experience of feeling or emotion. Positive emotions make us more likely to
like others and be open to interaction. Conversely, negative moods can reduce our willingness
to interact or make us perceive others less favorably.
If you meet someone while you're in a good mood (e.g., after hearing good news), you're more
likely to feel positively about them, even if you don’t know them well. This is called the "affect-
attraction hypothesis."
❖ External Factors
1. Proximity (Physical Nearness)
Proximity means how physically close we are to someone. According to the mere exposure
effect (Zajonc, 1968), we tend to like people we see more often simply because they are
familiar. Proximity increases chances of interaction, which can lead to attraction.
You are more likely to become friends with a classmate who sits next to you every day than
with someone in a different section.
2. Others’ Observable Characteristics
This includes physical appearance, body language, style, and even voice. Physical
attractiveness, especially, plays a strong role in initial attraction. Social psychology shows that
people tend to associate good looks with positive traits – this is called the "halo effect."
Someone who is well-dressed and confident may be perceived as more likable or intelligent,
influencing initial attraction.
❖ Interactive Factors
1. Similarity of Attitudes, Values, and Personal Characteristics
People are generally attracted to those who share their beliefs, interests, and values. This is
called the similarity-attraction effect. Shared views create a sense of understanding and reduce
conflict.
Two students who both enjoy psychology and have similar views on education may become
close friends or study partners.
2. Mutual Evaluations
This refers to how two people evaluate or perceive each other. Attraction increases when both
individuals express liking or appreciation toward each other, creating a positive feedback loop.
Mutual respect and admiration strengthen the relationship.
If you express admiration for a friend’s talent and they also value your support, this mutual
appreciation enhances the bond.
Romantic relationships: Forms of love- Passionate and Compassionate love, Sternberg’s
triangular theory of love
Romantic Relationships
Romantic relationships involve emotional closeness, affection, intimacy, and often physical
attraction between partners. These relationships usually begin with attraction and develop
through stages of emotional bonding, trust, and mutual support. Social psychology explores
how these bonds form, strengthen, or break.
Forms of Love
1. Passionate Love
Also known as romantic love, this is an intense emotional and physical attraction to another
person. It includes strong feelings of excitement, longing, and even obsession, especially in the
early stages of a relationship.
Features:
• High emotional intensity
• Physical attraction
• Desire for closeness and union
Example:
Falling in love quickly with someone and constantly thinking about them, wanting to be with
them all the time.
2. Companionate Love
Also called compassionate love, this is a deeper, more stable form of love that involves
emotional intimacy, trust, affection, and commitment. It usually develops over time.
Features:
• Deep friendship
• Mutual respect and support
• Long-term commitment
Example:
A married couple who have been together for years and share strong emotional support, even
if the initial passion has faded.
Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love
Psychologist Robert Sternberg proposed that love has three core components, which form the
"triangle" of love:
1. Intimacy – emotional closeness, bonding, and sharing
2. Passion – physical attraction and romantic desire
3. Commitment – decision to stay together and make the relationship work
Depending on the combination of these three, different types of love emerge:
Combination Type of Love Example
Intimacy only Liking Close friendship
Passion only Infatuation Love at first sight
Commitment only Empty love Arranged marriage without closeness
Intimacy + Passion Romantic love Dating couples
Intimacy + Commitment Companionate love Long-term marriages
Passion + Commitment Fatuous love Quick marriages from infatuation
All three Consummate love Ideal, balanced love
Example:
A couple who feel emotionally close (intimacy), have physical chemistry (passion), and are
committed to staying together (commitment) share consummate love.