Gender And Sexual Identity Flashcards
Define sex.
- Refers to the biological, differences between male and female
- eg. Genitals, stature
Define gender.
- refers to the cultural classification of people as masculine and feminine
- society’s expectations for males and females who are encouraged to think, feel and act in a manner appropriate to their sex
Define hegemonic femininity.
One dominant or traditional style of femininity with characteristics about being passive, subordinate and quiet
Define hegemonic masculinity.
The dominant or traditional style of masculinity which stresses toughness, aggression and being the breadwinner
Define femininity.
- Characteristics associated with being a women which has an effect on female behaviour
- those characteristics can be negotiated and changed
Define masculinity.
- characteristics associated with being a man which has an effect on masculine behaviour
- those characteristics can be negotiated and changed
What is biological determinism?
When something is defined by biology, it is natural and a product of genetics
What is social constructionism?
When something is defined by or society built by social processes rather than being natural, inherent or biological
What do functionalists believe?
All parts of society have a function
What does it mean when a functionalist believe that all parts of society have a function?
- masculine and feminine role serve a function to society and are natural and desirable not an inequality
- suggest that males and females are socialised into taking different roles which reflect their natural characteristics
What does Parsons argue about the roles of gender?
- Men have an instrumental role such as being the breadwinner
- women have an expressive role such as looking after the house
What do feminists suggest about gender roles?
Socialisation is key in maintaining traditional gender roles however they believe it isn’t natural or desirable but patriarchal
What does Oakley say about gender roles?
- children are socialised into the expectations surrounding their gender
- he identifies 4 processes central to the construction of gender identity
What are the 4 processes to the construction of gender identity that Oakley identified?
Manipulation, canalisation, verbal appellations, different/domestic activities
What is manipulation?
Encouraging or discouraging gender appropriate behaviour
What is canalisation?
Parents directing children’s interests to certain toys and play
What is verbal appellations?
- Parents using stereotypical feminine and masculine descriptions
- eg. Gentle girls, strong boys
What is different/domestic activities?
- Daughters have the cultural expectations of future responsibilities
- eg. Helping out with housework
What is another way family may reinforce gender identities?
Official rules
What did McRobbie find out?
- girls and boys are treated differently by parents
- boys given more freedom and allowed to spend more time out of the house
- girls more protected and home centred
- bedroom culture
What is bedroom culture studied by McRobbie?
Used to describe the way girls spend leisure time with friends in their rooms
What did Lincoln find out about bedroom culture?
- Found bedroom culture still existed
- no longer private as access to internet was common so outside world was allowed in
- no longer excluded males as they were more likely to allow boyfriends in
Who did Lincoln study and what year?
Studied Mancunian girls in the 1990s regarding bedroom culture
