Chapter 9: Contructing Gender and Sexuality Flashcards
Sex
an individual’s membership in one of two categories — male or female — based on biological factors
Primary Sex Characteristics
biological factors that distinguish males from females
(i.e. chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs)
Secondary Sex Characteristics
physical differences between males and females that are unrelated to reproduction
(i.e. facial and body hair, musculature, and bone structure)
Intersex
used to describe a person whose chromosomes or sex characteristics are neither exclusively male nor exclusively female
Gender
the physical, behavioral, and personality traits that a group considers normal for its male and female members
(i.e. some societies expect men to be more aggressive and competitive and women to be more emotional and nurturing)
Essentialists
those who believe gender roles have a genetic or biological origin and therefore cannot be changed
Gender Binary
a system of classification with only two distinct and opposite gender categories
(i.e. you’re either male or female from birth to death, and there are no other options)
Constructionists
those who believe that notions of gender are socially determined, such that a binary system is just one possibility among many
(i.e. the meaning of masculinity and femininity may differ drastically in different societies and historical periods)
Gender Identity
an individual’s self-definition or sense of gender
(i.e. female gender identity)
Cisgender
term used when gender identity and/or expression aligns with the sex assigned at birth
(i.e. sex and gender correspond)
Transgender
term used when gender identity and/or expression is different from the sex assigned at birth
(i.e. Caitlyn Jenner)
Gender Expression
an individual’s behavioral manifestations of gender
(i.e. “masculine” or “feminine” clothing, grooming, behavior, body language, gestures, and even names)
Gender Nonconforming
term used when gender identity and/or expression differs from societal expectation about gender roles
(i.e. Transgender and nonbinary people)
Non-binary
individuals who do not identify as exclusively men or women or who identify as both, somewhere in between, or outside of such categories altogether
(i.e. genderqueer, gender fluid, and bigender)
Sexuality
the character or quality of being sexual
(i.e. sexual orientation or identity)
Sexual Orientation/Identity
the inclination to feel sexual desire toward people of particular gender
(i.e. homosexuality, bisexuality, asexuality, etc.)
Heterosexuality
sexual attraction toward members of the other gender
(i.e. straight)
Homosexuality
sexual attraction toward members of one’s own gender
(i.e. gay or lesbian)
Bisexuality
sexual attraction toward members of both genders
Asexuality
the lack of sexual attraction of any kind; no interest in or desire for sex
Queer Theory
social theory about gender and sexual identity; emphasizes the importance of differences and rejects ideas of innate identities or restrictive categories
Gender Role Socialization
the lifelong process of learning to be masculine or feminine, primarily through agents of socialization
Heteronormativity
the belief that heterosexuality is and should be the norm
Social Learning
the process of learning behaviors and meaning through social interaction
(i.e. observation, imitation, and play)
Patriarchy
literally meaning “rule of the father”; a male-dominated society
(i.e. the Vanatinai)
Privilege
unearned advantage accorded to members of dominant social groups
(i.e. males, whites, people who are physically able or heterosexual, etc.)
Sexism
the belief that one sex. usually male, is superior to the other
(i.e. misogyny)
Misogyny
an ingrained prejudice against women; dislike, contempt, or hatred of women
Misogynoir
unique form of anti-Black sexism that Black women experience
Homophobia
fear of or discrimination toward gay, lesbian, and bisexual people
(i.e. being denied service because for being gay or lesbian)
Transphobia
fear of or discrimination toward transgender or other gender-nonconforming people
(i.e. being harassed in a bathroom for being transgender)
Heterosexism
belief in the superiority of heterosexuality and heterosexuals
Cisgenderism
belief in the superiority of ci gender persons and identities
Coming Out
openly declaring one’s true identity to those who might not be aware of it; a phrase used to describe how LGBTQ persons have felt compelled to keep their sexual orientation or gender identity secret
(i.e. short for “coming out of the closet”)
Hegemonic Masculinity
a masculine ideal that promotes characteristics such as independence, aggression, and toughness, and rejects any alternate qualities in men
(i.e. defines a specific standard of manhood to which men must then measure up and prove themselves)
Toxic Masculinity
a masculine ideal that espouses extreme and harmful attitudes and behaviors and may lead to various negative effects for women and men
(i.e. suppress any emotions except for anger, and to reject any “feminine” qualities)
Rape Culture
a set of beliefs, norms, and values that normalize sexual violence against women
(i.e. behaviors that are celebrated in hookup culture make it difficult to distinguish between a hookup and sexual assault)
Microaggressions
everyday uses of subtle verbal and nonverbal communications that convey denigrating or dismissive messages to members of certain social groups
(i.e. women being told to smile)
Instrumental Role
the position of the family member who provides material support, often an authority figure
(i.e. breadwinner)
Expressive Role
the position of the family member who provides emotional support and nurturing
(i.e. women are considered better suited for caring for the children and stabilizing the personality of te instrumental partner against the stresses)
Second Shift
the unpaid housework and child care often expected of women after they complete their day’s paid labor
Feminization of Poverty
the economic trend showing that women are more likely than men to live in poverty
(i.e. gender pay gap, the higher proportion of single women taking on the financial responsibility of children, and the increasing cost of child care)
Feminism
belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes; also the social movements organized around that belief
First Wave
the earliest period of feminist activism, from the
mid-nineteenth century until American women won the right to vote in 1920
Suffrage Movement
the movement organized around gaining voting rights for women
(i.e. Susan B. Anthony)
Second Wave
the period of feminist activism during the 1960s and 1970s, often associated with the issues of women’s equal access to employment and education
Third Wave
the most recent period of feminist activism, focusing on issues of diversity, globalization, and the variety of identities women can possess
(i.e. marginalizing the concerns of women of color, lesbians, and working-class women)
Men’s Liberation
a movement that originated in the 1970s to discuss the challenges of masculinity
(i.e. the need to free men from oppressive gender roles)
Men’s Rights Movement
an offshoot of men’s liberation whose members believe that feminism promotes discrimination against men
(i.e. incels)
Pro-Feminist Men’s Movement
an offshoot of men’s liberation whose members support feminism and believe that sexism harms both men and women
(i.e. men need to share more of the responsibilities of child care)
