Development of the Self in Society
Term 1: Self-Concept and Gender
1. Key Concepts
- Self-awareness: Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and interests.
- Self-esteem: How much you value and believe in yourself.
- Self-development: Improving yourself through practice and growth.
2. What Influences Self-Esteem?
- How others treat or speak to you
- Life experiences (trauma, success, failure)
- Media, peer pressure, social trends
3. Building Confidence
- Communicate clearly, be assertive
- Use positive body language
- Stay respectful and complete tasks well
4. Decision-Making Steps
- Evaluate → Gather info → Think → Choose → Act
5. Understanding Gender and Power
- Sex: Biological traits (e.g. chromosomes)
- Gender: Social expectations linked to being male/female
- Power: The ability to influence others
- Power relations: Whether relationships are equal or unequal
6. Gender Stereotypes
- Men seen as dominant or breadwinners
- Women expected to do housework or care
- Some jobs seen as “male only”
7. Effects of Gender Inequality
- Sexual abuse, STIs, teenage pregnancy
- Lack of safety or decision-making power
- Transactional sex (sex for money/goods)
Term 3: Life Roles, Adolescence and Sexuality
1. Life Roles
- Roles: student, friend, employee, partner, family member
- You can be dependent, independent, or interdependent
2. Changing Roles
- Roles change as you grow older or face challenges (e.g. caring for a sick parent)
- You may need to adapt or take on new responsibilities
3. Changes from Adolescence to Adulthood
- Physical: Growth, hormones, puberty, sexual development
- Emotional: Mood swings, insecurity, stronger feelings
- Social: Friendships, romantic feelings, peer pressure
4. Coping with Change
- Talk to adults, journal, express yourself clearly
- Be a good listener, use social media wisely
5. Risky vs Healthy Choices
- Risky: Drugs, unprotected sex, unsafe situations
- Healthy: Respect, assertiveness, abstinence, responsible decisions
6. Emotional Health and Recreation
- Signs of emotional health: balance, self-respect, stress management
- Recreational activities like sport, social time, and outdoor fun improve well-being