Chapter 6: Gender & Sexuality Flashcards
what is one of the few things that still divide gender?
Sport still divides gender
what is biological sex?
refers to the physical and physiological characteristics that define individuals as male, female, or intersex.
Biological sex is assigned at birth based on visible traits, including genitalia and secondary sex characteristics.
what is gender identity?
how you see yourself
It’s about how you identify and understand your own gender, which may or may not match the sex you were assigned at birth (like being assigned “male” or “female” when you were born).
what is sexual orientation?
refers to a person’s emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to others
what is gender expression?
how you express yourself
the way you show your gender to the world, almost like expressing yourself through clothing and style.
What exists more in the world now, in terms of gender?
We exist in a world now where gender expression is very fluid - more blending of feminine elements.
what is biological determinism?
who you are and how you act is mainly decided by whether you’re a boy or a girl when you’re born. (social behavior is explained by biology).
What does biological determinism focus on?
Biological sex sets strict rules for how you should behave and what roles you should take in society
And that we are taught to act a certain way based on social “norms”.
What does biological determinism believe?
Social behavior is explained/determined by human biology.
What is social constructionism?
In society, we collectively agree on certain ideas, shaping what we see as “normal” or “real” even if these are not absolute truths, influencing our actions and thoughts.
Understanding this lets us support people expressing their gender freely, beyond traditional norms. This leads to a more inclusive and accepting society for everyone, no matter their gender identity.
what does social construction believe about social behaviors’?
Social behavior is taught and learned. how we perceive gender roles or societal expectations around success and achievement are social constructs.
what differs over time and place?
Social construction differs over time and place because it is influenced by the unique historical, cultural, and societal contexts of a particular period and location.
what are the traditional ideas of masculinity?
Tough and aggressive are the traditional ideas of masculinity, or other ideas that take more skill like surfing.
How can masculinity be exhibited by women?
dressing in suits or bowties. Ex: female lawyer in a pant suit
how has femininity in sport traditionally seen?
Femininity in sport has traditionally been seen as wearing tight, fitting clothing, showing skin, portraying a set of skills like flexibility. Usually an emphasis on appearance.
what is the two category system of the western perspective of gender ideology?
Mutually Exclusive categories: heterosexual male and heterosexual female
What are the heterosexual male and heterosexual female meant to be perceived as?
Perceived in terms of a difference ans as “opposites”.
what is gender ideology?
the gender logic or notions about what is appropriate in society or more specifically, in sport.
(For example, the idea that football or soccer is typically for boys and ballet is for girls. However, this belief is a construct created by society and doesn’t reflect any inherent truth).
what is a set of ideas rather than a natural occurrence, that is socially constructed and constantly evolving.
Gender ideology
what is a fundamental organizing principle of social life?
Gender
Ex: where we shop, clothes we wear, professions, which washroom we use in a public place, what teams we play on.
Problems with Western Perspective of gender ideology:
- People don’t always fit into the perspective range.
- The ideas of gender are stable and fixed.
- Not all genders have the same power or abilities (agency) to make decisions.
Gender Logic in Sport:
the idea or the logic that masculinity is celebrated or better than femininity.
what is inherently viewed as a man’s space or domain?
Sport
what is heteronormativity?
assume everyone is straight
how does heteronormativity privilege heterosexuality?
It assumes their relationships, identities, and experiences are the standard, reinforcing a sense of belonging and normalcy.
Heterosexual relationships and expressions of love are highly visible and celebrated in media, literature, advertisements, and public spaces. LGBTQ+ representation has historically been limited, further solidifying heteronormativity.
who is celebrated and valued in western society?
Men in sport who conform to hegemonic masculine ideals
who is there less awareness for in sport? (hint: hegemonic masculine ideals)
men who do not conform to typical masculinity (Ex: a man associated with synchronized swimming)
how much media coverage do women get in sport?
Only 10 % of media coverage for women – used to be 15 % and has now decreased.
AKA: 90% + for men
what type of roles do men fill most in sport?
Leadership roles such as head coach, officials, owners, media, presidents, boards or directors.
who has access to limited opportunities once passed as an athlete?
Women.
