Gender Flashcards
Sex vs. gender
Sex = determined on basis of biological differences (i.e. internal and external genitalia)
Gender = identification of social and psychological characteristics and attributes
How do we distinguish between the biological fact of ‘sex’ and the social and cultural characteristics associated with being male or female?
By using the term “gender”
Define “gender”
Refers to the social and cultural perceptions associated with “sex” differences, socially constructed as “masculine” and “feminine”
What complicates the differences between biological sex and gender?
The existence of individuals who are not easily categorised by their external; (biological) genitalia
And individuals who feel their anatomical body is out of line with their subjective sense of being male or female (or neither! or a bit of both!)
What is the problem with gendered social practices?
Shape women’s and men’s bodies in ways that reinforce particular cultural images of femininity or masculinity
This then leads to stereotyping, and can result in negation of biology
Children + gender identities
Young children have gender identities imposed on them long before they are capable of doing an act which is attributed to the sex of their bodies (i.e. reproducing)
Reinforced through names/dress
Parenting is gendered, work roles reflect this (i.e. more women in caring roles)
Why does gendering occur in all cultures and societies?
Gender as a social institution is one of the major ways in which division of labour is organised
(Alternative would be choosing people for social tasks based on skill, motivation and talents
Give an example of gender difference in health outcomes
What could the outcome of this be?
Traditional encouragement of boys (and not girls) to engage in strenuous physical exercise as girls are seen as “weaker”
The outcome could have very real effects on both men’s and women’ bodies - socially constructed gender identities can result in negation or ‘transcendence’ of biology
This approach challenges the idea that biology is fixed
What percentage of men carry out the recommended levels of physical activity?
And women?
53% of men
33% of women
How does production of ‘men’ and ‘women’ as unique separate social categories happen?
What can this lead to?
Occurs by converting average differences into absolute differences
Can become self-fulfilling prophecies as physical bodies change to support them
Define “gendered social practice”
Society and culture create gender roles
These roles are prescribed as ideal or appropriate behaviour/practices for a person of a specific sex
Shapes men’s and women’s identities and reinforce cultural ideals of ‘masculinity’ and ‘femininity’
Gender is reinforced very early on with names and clothing
Give examples of gendered social practice
Boys should wear blue, girls wear pink
Gender specific naming
Boys told not to cry
Girls are home makers and raise children, men are breadwinners/successful and powerful
Girls not encouraged to do sport= transcendence→ biology is transformed by gendered social practices, differences exaggerate and similarities suppressed
Leads to women having more disease often resulting in higher morbidity despite lower mortality
