Gender Identity and Its Theories: A Comparison of Psychodynamic and Symbolic Interactionalism Approaches

Running head: GENDER IDENTITY
Gender identity
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GENDER IDENTITY 2
Introduction
Gender identity refers to the capability of an individual to understand his or her gender
according to McDowell, (2018). There are many theories that explain people’s gender identity.
These theories either use biology or origins to make people understand their gender identity. In
this assignment, it is going to compare and contrast symbolic interactionalism and
psychodynamic approaches and use psychodynamic theory to explain my own gender identity.
Psychodynamic theory on gender identity
Psychodynamic theory insists on the role of members if the family in defining the gender
identity in reference to Langa, (2016). The main character in the family that shapes one gender
identity is the mother. When children are growing up in the family, the girls see themselves as
their mother from that perspective they become connected to the mother. For instance, when it
comes to taking a shower, the girls would shower with their mothers, however, when it comes to
the boys they are directed to go on their own. The theory of psychodynamic uses an example of a
boy who learns to be a boy while showering with his mother. In her explanation, the boy says
that he discovered that he had something that his mother did not have and from this moment he
continues to understand his gender identity. The founder of this Sigmund Freud explains that
most children do not understand their gender up to the time the family members mostly the
mother start engaging in behaviors that make them know who they are.
The theory of symbolic interactionalism
The method of symbolic interactionalism bases its argument on communication as a
source of gender identity according to Denzin, (2017). The way parents communicate to the
young children will make them learn of their gender. For instance, the parents can tell the girls to