Week 10: Gender and Sexuality

Question 1

Describe this week’s paradox.

Answer 1

The biological categories of sex strongly influence the social dynamics of gender; however the social categories of gender can sometimes determine the biology of sex.

Question 2

Feminism

Answer 2

Gender is an organizing principle of life. Gender matters because it structures relationships between people.

Question 3

Sex

Answer 3

The difference that distinguishes male from female.

“Sex is what you ARE. Gender is what you DO.

Question 4

Gender

Answer 4

Social position. It is what people do with the physical materials of sex.

“Sex is what you are. Gender is what you do.
Gender changes over time. Variation across culture.

African tribes with males as suitors for females.

Question 5

Sexuality

Answer 5

Desires, sexual preference, sexual identity, and behavior.

Your sexuality determines you behavior.

Question 6

Describe the relationship between gender and sex.

Answer 6

One directly affects the other. Sex affects your gender and gender affects your sex.

Question 7

Gender Role

Answer 7

Set of behaviors that accompany your sex.

Question 8

Homosexual

Answer 8

Social identity of a person who is attracted to the same sex.

Question 9

Sexism

Answer 9

When a person’s sex or gender is the basis of judgment, discrimination, and hatred against him or her.

Question 10

Gender Inequality

Answer 10

Economy, politics, media, and family.

Question 11

Glass Ceiling

Answer 11

Invisible limit on women’s climb up the occupational ladder.

Question 12

Glass Escalator

Answer 12

Ride men take to the top of their perspective organizations, especially in female-dominant professions.