Sex and Gender Flashcards
What did Charles Darwin mean by saying “Every man & woman is hermaphrodite”?
He was referencing intersex traits, a foundational idea in 19th-century “Sexology.”
What is the difference between sex and gender?
Sex refers to biological attributes (chromosomes, anatomy, hormones, etc.), while gender is socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identities (e.g., woman, man, gender-diverse).
What was the employment rate in Canada from 1976 to 2009?
It increased from 42% to 60%.
Which groups are most affected by the gender pay gap in Ontario?
Minorities, First Nations people, newcomers, and people with disabilities (PWD).
What did Catalyst Canada report about the gender pay gap?
Canada: Women earn $0.82 for every $1.00 men earn
USA: $0.78 for every $1.00
The gender wage gap is about 18% greater than in Europe.
What are the 3 ways to measure the gender pay gap (Cdn Women’s Foundation)?
Annual earnings (f-t & p-t):
2011: Women earned $0.667 to men’s $1.00
Gap is large due to more part-time work by women
Annual earnings (f-t only):
2014: $0.74 to men’s $1.00
2020: $0.75 to men’s $1.00
Hourly wages (f-t & p-t):
2011: Women earned $0.87 to men’s $1.00
What are some common myths and arguments surrounding the gender pay gap?
These were discussed in class (2019), likely including claims that the gap is due to career choice, hours worked, or personal choices—not systemic discrimination.
What is ‘Gender Analysis’ in the context of government policy?
A tool used by the federal government to assess the gendered impacts of the 2017 budget.
What other workplace issues are linked to gender inequality?
Harassment and violence.
What did the 2014 Angus Reid Survey reveal about workplace harassment in Canada?
The data (not fully included in your notes) likely highlighted the prevalence of harassment across Canadian workplaces.
Why does Solnit believe the #MeToo movement is finally gaining traction?
She credits decades of feminist work for putting more women and allies in decision-making roles. This shift made it possible for survivors’ stories to be heard, validated, and acted upon publicly, helping break the cycle of secrecy and shame.
What does Solnit identify as the real solution to gender violence and harassment?
Solnit argues that punishment alone isn’t the answer. The real solution is cultural transformation—changing the systems, attitudes, and structures that enable abuse, and ensuring victims can speak out without fear of retaliation.
What is the main issue Rebecca Solnit addresses in her article about the #MeToo movement?
Solnit emphasizes that the #MeToo movement is a response to a widespread epidemic of gender-based violence and abuse. Despite criticisms that the movement has “gone too far,” she argues it hasn’t gone far enough to ensure justice, safety, and systemic change.
How do fascist politics use sexual anxiety to gain power?
They promote fear of threats to traditional family roles—like rape, interracial relationships, and LGBTQ+ identities—to stir panic and justify authoritarian control.
What is the “Black Horror on the Rhine”?
A racist German propaganda campaign after WWI claiming African soldiers raped German women, used to spark fear and oppose French occupation—echoed by the U.S. and Hitler.
How do fake rape narratives relate to fascist propaganda today?
Modern propaganda, like Trump’s or Russian media, spreads fake rape stories about immigrants to fuel moral panic and reinforce racist, nationalist agendas.
