Gender and Age Flashcards
sex
biological differences between men and women
gender
codified and institutionalized social and cultural practices or behaviors
gender equality
gender roles as complimentary rather than equal
rules vs practice
formally men are seen to be in charge, but in reality, women may be influencing all major decisions
gender bias in fieldwork
information the anthropologist is able to gain access to may be determined by their gender
queer theory
the relationship between genitals, gender identity, sexual identity, and sexual practices is problematized
gender pluralism
more than two recognized gender identities in many societies around the world
recognized genders throughout the world
Xanith of Oman, Hijars of India, two-spirit person in some native American groups, Kathoey of Thailand, transgender in US
age
universal principle for social differentiation and classification; biological reality of aging is shaped by society’s view of various life stages
age grades/age groups
certain societies have distinct stages between youth and old age
Baktaman of New Guinea
seven age grades, ritual passing from one to the next, each with a promotion of rank
aging into gender
in many societies, children are socialized to be both members of society, and men and women
elements of ritual
repetitive, symbolic social practice, set apart from social routines of daily life, predictable, often connected to myths
rites of passage
solve the problem of how one should transition from one stage to the next
Victor Turner’s view of rites of passage
solve the problem of transition, give participants feelings of oneness with greater social unit
