Individuality (Names, Gender & Identity)

Question 1

What is existentialism?

Answer 1

-centres on the idea that “existence precedes essence”
Existence: the state of existing; being
Essence: the intrinsic or indispensable properties that serve to characterize or identify something
-the individual defines reality

Question 2

What is gender?

Answer 2

Gender is an individual’s self conception of being male or female, not a biological fact

Question 3

How is anthropology related to gender roles?

Answer 3

• physical differences influence gender roles, particularly in pre historic cultures
• hunter gathered societies, strong makes hunted, birthing women gathered

Question 4

How is evolutionary psychology related to gender roles?

Answer 4

• Gender roles can be genetically “inherited” and thus can be affected by natural selection
• they are adaptations that help support society’s success

Question 5

What is identity?

Answer 5

Identity is formed through the beliefs and habits of one’s society and culture. These beliefs are imprinted onto you through observation and interaction. Identity is also formed through conscious and unconscious internal conflicts.

Question 6

How is sociology related to gender roles?

Answer 6

• alternately many sociologists argue that societies willingly and purposefully create and replicate gender roles
• they point to the changing of gender roles to prof against a genetic link

Question 7

How is psychology related to gender roles?

Answer 7

-theory that a larger male-dominated profession and society had neglected exploring female behaviour and personality

Question 8

What is heredity and how is it important to individuality?

Answer 8

• the transfer of genetic coding from parent to offspring
• genes have a large influence on your behavior and appearance, which in turn has a large influence on how you are perceived
• also affect our self concept because we adopt our family figure’s values and assume different roles (sister, cousin, etc.)

Question 9

What is a drawback to genetics?

Answer 9

Some cultures opt to see genetics as a thing that divides rather than connects humanity (ex. Holocaust)