Gender Identity: Symbolic Interactionism vs. Psychodynamic Theory

This essay provides a comparative analysis of two prominent theories explaining gender identity: symbolic interactionism and the psychodynamic approach. The psychodynamic theory emphasizes the role of family members, particularly the mother, in shaping a child's understanding of their gender, highlighting early interactions and identification processes. In contrast, symbolic interactionism posits that gender identity is constructed through communication and social cues, where interactions with others, including parents, provide children with symbolic meanings associated with their gender. The essay uses personal experiences to illustrate how family dynamics and interactions contributed to the author's understanding of their own gender identity, aligning with the principles of psychodynamic theory. Ultimately, the essay concludes that both theories underscore the importance of communication and social symbols in the development of gender identity.

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

GENDER IDENTITY 3
sit correctly while crossing their legs while they say the boys to sit upright. All these
communications will assist the children to justify their gender and what they should do as far as
their gender is concerned. In contrast to psychodynamic theory in this theory, anybody can
initiate communication. The psychodynamic theory mainly focused on the family members
action to make the child understand his or her gender identity.
Using psychodynamic theory to explain my gender
My family members especially my mother are the once who made me realize my gender
identity. Biologically, I could see the difference between me and my mum while at home
according to Oakley, (2016). However, my sisters looked like my mother biologically, and they
used to be close to her most of the time. The significant point, in this case, was that, when we
were young, I could not see the difference as time goes, the gap between my mother and me
continued to widen. For instance, when my mother was preparing food in the kitchen, my sisters
could join her, however, I was reluctant to assist them in the kitchen works. One of my
experience is when my mother instructed us to go and change our clothes. When we were taking
shower together with my sisters, I could notice something different in them and from their I
started understanding that we were different genders.
Conclusion
Various theories have different ways of illustrating the issue of gender identity. However,
the significant aspect of every argument is communication. The symbols and words people use
assist others to understand their gender identity.

GENDER IDENTITY 4
References
Denzin, N. K. (2017). The research act: A theoretical introduction to sociological methods.
Routledge.
Langa, M. (2016). The Value of Using a Psychodynamic Theory in Researching Black
Masculinities of Adolescent Boys in Alexandra Township, South Africa. Men and
Masculinities, 19(3), 260-288.
McDowell, L. (2018). Gender, identity and place: Understanding feminist geographies. John
Wiley & Sons.
Oakley, A. (2016). Sex, gender and society. Routledge.