Gender and Development: Sex, Gender, and Identity

Study Notes

Sex refers to a biological label, either male or female, based on genitalia and chromosomes.
Gender refers to socially constructed characteristics of women and men, including norms, roles, and relationships.
Gender identity is how one feels inside and how they express those feelings, which can vary from society to society.

Cisgender: when one identifies with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Transgender: when one identifies with a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth.
Transsexual: when one has undergone gender reassignment surgery to change their sexual organs.

Sexual orientation refers to a person's preference for sexual relationships with individuals of the same sex, opposite sex, or both sexes.
Heterosexuality: attraction to a gender different from one's own.
Homosexuality: attraction to a gender the same as one's own.
Bisexuality: attraction to two or more genders.
Pansexuality: attraction to all genders, without regard to gender.
Polysexuality: attraction to many genders.
Monosexuality: attraction to only one gender.
Androsexuality: attraction to masculine gender presentation.
Gynosexuality: attraction to feminine gender presentation.
Questioning: people who are debating their own sexuality or gender.
Asexual: not experiencing sexual attraction.

Gender roles refer to the social expectations and behaviors associated with being male or female.
Gender stereotypes are fixed, overgeneralized views about the characteristics and abilities of men and women.
Gender roles and stereotypes can vary across cultures and can be both positive and negative.
Common gender stereotypes include women being seen as helpless and childish, and men being seen as tough and powerful.

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) requires states to modify or transform harmful gender stereotypes.
CEDAW encourages coeducation and education that promotes equality and eliminates stereotyping.
Teachers should receive gender training to help eliminate stereotyping.
Public information and education programs can help change attitudes concerning gender roles.

Gender equality refers to equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities for men and women.
Gender equity refers to the fair allocation of resources, programs, and decision-making to address imbalances between men and women.
Gender equality and equity are essential for achieving true equality.

Gender diversity refers to an equal ratio of men and women in various areas, such as corporate boardrooms.
Gender sensitivity refers to the way service providers treat male or female clients in service delivery facilities.

Sexism in language refers to the use of language that devalues or discriminates against women.
Language can affect socialization and perpetuate gender inequality.
To avoid sexist language, guidelines include:
- Avoid attaching sexist terms when the gender is unknown.
- Avoid sexism in base words.
- Avoid demeaning words.
- Avoid stereotyping.### Gender Stereotypes and Sexism
Women are often perceived as weak, submissive, and passive, while men are seen as powerful and dominant.
Gender stereotypes can lead to sexism and discrimination.

Words can be used as weapons or healers, depending on the choice of verbiage and how they are spoken.
Verbal abuse can be avoided by using gender-neutral language.
Avoid using words with negative connotations, such as "witch" or "bitch", to describe women.

Avoid using "man" to refer to a human being, instead use "human" or "people".
Use "man" correctly as a verb, substitute with "work", "serve", and "run".
Use pronouns correctly, noting that first and second pronouns are genderless (I, we, me, you, our, your, yours).
Avoid sexism by using neutral words and avoiding endings that imply gender.
Define women by who they are, not by their relationships (e.g., father, husband, etc.).