Constructing Gender Quiz

Constructing Gender

• Culture shapes the perceived differences between males and females
• Sex refers to biological reproductive forms and functions, while gender refers to cultural expectations
• Studies suggest a link between biological sex and temperament, but cultural determinism emphasizes the significant role of culture
• Gender roles are a product of enculturation, not solely biology

Biological Perspective

• Male and female brains may function differently, influencing typical behaviors (e.g., play styles, perceived skills)
• This difference is debated, with varying interpretations of potential biological influences

Cultural Determinism

• Cultural determinism proposes that culture entirely shapes human behavior
• Sex, gender, and related concepts (gender role, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual activity) are distinct factors influenced by culture
• Gender roles and identities demonstrate significant cultural variation, highlighting the plasticity of human nature

Cultural Imprints on Gender

• Gender is a social construct, evident in children's clothing styles and cultural norms
• Societies often exhibit gender inequality, commonly undervaluing women
• Theoretical frameworks (e.g., Ortner's theory linking female subordination to the nature-culture dichotomy) attempt to explain this inequality

Inequalities Are Reproduced

• Gender inequality exists in nearly all societies with hierarchical structures
• Leadership positions, economic roles, and social structures (kinship, rituals) often favor men
• Exceptions to the general trend of inequality exist, such as the Batek community

Biocultural Perspective

• Hormones, like estrogen and testosterone, regulate bodily functions
• Existing beliefs about hormones and gender roles require critical evaluation

Gender

• Gender refers to the cultural expectations surrounding male and female behavior
• Margaret Mead's cross-cultural studies (Samoa, New Guinea) explored the formative role of culture in shaping gender
• Mead's Samoa studies (1928) contrasted Samoan and US experiences of puberty, arguing that cultural context impacts the experience of adolescents

Mead's Findings and Controversy

• Mead's findings were later questioned by Freeman.
• Freeman raised concerns regarding Mead's methods, informants, and possible biases, ultimately challenging some aspects of her work.
• Debate over Mead's research continues due to these criticisms impacting its legacy

Researching Gender and Temperament

• Mead's additional research in Sepik societies examined gender and personality variations
• Studies of the Arapesh, Mundugumor, and Tchambuli societies highlighted variations in gender roles across different cultures

Gender Variance

• Gender variance exists across numerous cultures, including American Indian societies ("two-spirit" identity)
• Third-gender identities are often accorded valuable social status in their respective cultures (e.g., Hijras in India)

Hijras

• Hijras, a third gender in India, hold a high spiritual status but face social challenges
• Their presence at the Kumbh Mela (religious pilgrimage) symbolizes a growing recognition in India

Five Genders

• Some cultures recognize additional gender identities (e.g., Nádleeché in some Native American cultures)

Constructing Gender Among the Sambia

• The Sambia, a New Guinean group, follow specific rituals and customs related to male maturation
• This includes rituals regarding homosexuality that seem to be a part of cultural norms regarding male development

Conclusion

• All societies differentiate between males and females, but cultural interpretations of biological differences vary significantly
• Cultural ideologies, not biology, underpin women's subordinate roles in most societies
• Gender variance and third-gender identities are common across many diverse cultures and are often part of their social structures