Gender Differences Flashcards
Sex v. Gender
Sex - Biological and genetic difference between girls and boys, men and women. In other words, this is the biological sex we are born with. Anatomically defined by sexual organs at birth
Gender - Gender is the psychological, social, and cultural manifestations of what people perceive to be the appropriate behaviors of females and males. These manifestations may or may not be representative of a person’s biological sex.
Three factors in the differences between female non-verbal behavior and male non-verbal behavior
1) Genetics - Inherited traits, cannot be significantly altered
2) Modeling - Watching others and repeating (not to be confused with mimicry)
3) Reinforcement and conditioning - The fact that behavior that is reinforced WILL repeat
Role of genetics in forming non-verbal behaviors
Two main effects of genetic differences between men and women:
1) Posture
2) Walk/Stride
These are affected by subtle skeletal differences
They start emerging in childhood
Role of “modeling” in forming non-verbal behaviors
- Children learn how to act like “big” boys and girls by observing others in their environment and modeling their behaviors.
- Children observe the behavior of others and attempt to emulate it
*This explains cultural differences in non-verbal behavior
Role of reinforcement and conditioning in forming non-verbal behaviors
The basic premise of reinforcement theory is that behavior that is reinforced or conditioned will increase, but behavior that is not reinforced will decrease.
Genetic Differences between men and women
Men - larger shoulder span,
Women - larger breasts, wider hips
Shared but still inherited - body type
Two main effects of genetic differences between men and women
1) Posture
2) Walk/Stride
Gender roles for men in the US
Characterized by proactivity (assertive, independent, self-assured, confident, and decisive)
Dominant social style.
*This is highly dependent on culture
Gender roles for women in the US
Characterized by reactivity (sensitive, responsive to others, emotionally expressive, and supportive)
Submissive social style.
*This is highly dependent on culture
Societal view of women
Woman are judged more harshly than men (even by other women)
Societal view of men
Sex role v. Gender Role
Typical behaviors women exhibit when communicating with men (regardless of attraction)
Take up less space, shrink or pull in their bodies, tilt their heads while talking or listening, arrange or play with their hair more often than males, put hands in lap or on hips, tap hands, cross legs, cross ankles, yield space, lower eyes, blink more, and keep legs and feet together while sitting
Transgender
Definition: Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person assigned female at birth who identifies and lives as a man would be considered transgender. It encompasses a wide variety of gender identities, including non-binary, genderqueer, and others.
Current Usage: The term transgender is widely accepted and respectful. It focuses on a person’s gender identity, not their physical characteristics or actions (like dressing in different gender clothing).
Transvestite
Definition: A transvestite is a person, typically a man, who dresses in clothing traditionally associated with the opposite sex (usually women’s clothing) for various reasons, such as personal comfort, performance (e.g., drag), or self-expression. Transvestitism does not imply any particular gender identity or sexual orientation.
Current Usage: The term is largely outdated and can be considered offensive by some, as it has historically been pathologized in psychological contexts. The more neutral and respectful term often used today is cross-dresser.
Transexual
Definition: Historically, transsexual referred to individuals who seek or undergo medical interventions (such as hormone replacement therapy or surgery) to align their physical bodies with their gender identity. It emphasizes a medical or physical transition process.
Current Usage: While some individuals still identify as transsexual, the term has fallen out of widespread use, particularly in favor of transgender. Some people find “transsexual” outdated or overly focused on medical transitions. Many transgender people do not undergo medical procedures, so the term can be limiting.
Non-binary
Definition: Non-binary refers to a gender identity that doesn’t fit within the traditional binary understanding of male or female. Non-binary people may identify as a blend of both genders, somewhere in between, or outside the binary altogether.
Example: Someone who identifies as both masculine and feminine, or neither, might use this term.
Gender fluid
Definition: Genderfluid individuals experience a dynamic gender identity that may change over time or depending on circumstances. They may feel more male, female, or a mix on different days.
Example: Someone who might feel masculine some days, feminine on others, and neutral at other times.
Genderqueer
Definition: Genderqueer is an umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. It often overlaps with non-binary identities but emphasizes the rejection of rigid gender categories.
Example: A person who feels their gender identity fluctuates or does not conform to societal norms.
Ageneder
Definition: Agender refers to a person who does not identify with any gender. They may feel a lack of gender entirely or a disinterest in gender identity as a concept.
Example: A person who doesn’t identify as male, female, or non-binary, but simply as genderless.
Bigender
Definition: Bigender people identify as two genders, either at the same time or switching between them. This can be a combination of male and female or other gender identities.
Example: Someone who feels they embody both a male and female identity simultaneously or alternates between them.
Cisgender
Definition: A term for individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. “Cis” is a Latin prefix meaning “on this side of,” contrasting with “trans” (meaning “across”).
Example: A person assigned female at birth who identifies and lives as a woman.
Transfeminine / Transmasculine
Definition: Transfeminine describes someone who was assigned male at birth but identifies more with femininity, while transmasculine describes someone assigned female at birth but identifies more with masculinity.
Example: A non-binary person who presents more femininely might identify as transfeminine.
Gender Dysphoria
Definition: Gender dysphoria refers to the discomfort or distress some transgender people feel due to the mismatch between their gender identity and their assigned sex at birth.
Example: A transgender man might experience gender dysphoria due to his physical appearance not aligning with his male gender identity.