Test 2: Gender Flashcards
Gender
- everything social in our lives gendered: interaction through gendered lenses
- Ppl continually distinguish betw. M + F + evaluate them differently, master status
- integral part of daily experiences
Neurological and cognitive studies
- genetic + hormonal differences at birth launch M+F somewhat diff. developmental paths
- nurture vs. nature
- early experiences + learning permanent
- sex differences start out small, amplified by gender infused culture
Brain plasticity
neurologists: explain why experience regularly changes brain structure + function
- You brain is what you do with it.
- Every task you spend time on reinforces active brain circuits at the expense of other inactive ones
- muscles you use become stronger
Sex versus Gender
- distinguish biological sex identity from learned gender roles
- born M/F but becoming man/woman result of social + cultural expectations that pattern behavior, attitudes + physical appearance
Sex versus Gender
•sex: born with M/F genitals + genetic program that released M/F hormones stimulate development of reproductive system-biology
•gender: culturally + socially constructed differences betw. M+F found in meanings, beliefs, expectations, norms, judging and practices associated with
femininity + masculinity
Transgender and Transsexual: Category Breaking
Transsexuals: believe they were born with “wrong” body. They identify with + want to live as “opposite” sex
Transgender: break gender norms by defying rigid distinction betw. genders.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov 20th) – to remember people killed as result of transphobia and to raise awareness about discrimination and prejudice experienced by transgender community
Gender Identity
perception of self as F+M Gender identity is basic to our: 1. Self-concept 2. Shapes our expectations for ourselves 3. Abilities + Interests 4. How we interact with others
Gender Socialization
learn the expectations associated with their sex
Parents: Physical contact, compliments, toys Peers: How children play with one another
School: Teachers, books, class experience
Mass Media: How women and men are portrayed in terms of occupations and roles, main characters, cultural ideal of womanhood and manhood
Gender Socialization
- little boys playing with girl toys discouraged more than vice versa
- increased kisses, physical intimacy for girls
- no matter how gender neutral parents are, they are still other agents
Bechdel Test
American cartoonist Alison Bechdel, 1980s
Three criterias for a movie to pass this test: 1) Two named female characters
2) Who talk to each other
3) About something other than a man
-low standards, we know more by pop culture
Sex and Gender: Through Prism of Difference
Contemporary gender relations complex,
Thinking of gender primarily in terms of differences led scholars to overgeneralize, essentialize
organized + experienced differently when refracted through prism of sexual, racial/ethnic, social class, physical abilities, age, + citizenship differences
-more complexities within than betw.
-reduces to essential M+W
Masculinity *complexity
not fixed/biological essence of men (social construction) changes over time, among various national + cultural contexts
Power is central to stratification, race, understanding gender as a relational construct, defined in contrast to femininity
No singular male sex role – various masculinities
Sexism
Subordination based on assumed superiority of a sex.
components: 1) Negative attitudes toward women
2) Stereotypical beliefs reinforce + justify prejudice
3) Discrimination, acts that exclude, distance/keep women separate
Male Aggression Against Women
- Intimate Partner Violence (6% of Canadian women in 2004 through victimization survey, down from 12% in 1993, slow decrease)
- Sexual Assault (85% of sexual assault of women are by men they know) shows portray by strangers
Male Aggression Against Women
- Sexual Harassment: illegal
Quid pro quo (sexual threats/bribery made condition of employment decisions)
Hostile environment (sexual jokes, comments, + touching that interferes with work/create a hostile work environment)