Gender and Sex: Key Concepts and Definitions
41 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

How does the provided content define 'gender'?

  • A fixed set of behaviors determined by chromosomal composition.
  • An individual's biological reproductive anatomy, determined at birth.
  • Behaviors prescribed for society’s members based on their sex. (correct)
  • An immutable characteristic determined by hormonal balances.

    • According to the content, what is the primary determinant of sex assigned at birth?

  • Function of the reproductive system.
  • Presence or absence of a penis. (correct)
  • Chromosomal analysis.
  • Hormonal levels.

    • Which of the following is considered a secondary sexual characteristic in females, as described in the content?

  • Fallopian tubes.
  • Ovaries.
  • Breast development. (correct)
  • Vagina.

    • Which statement reflects the content's perspective on the relationship between sex and gender?

    <p>Sex is biological, whereas gender is a social construct. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A society dictates that individuals with a penis must work in construction, while those without one must work in childcare. Which concept from the text does this best illustrate?

    <p>Gender socialization. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the content portray the concept of 'doing gender'?

    <p>A performance shaped by cultural forces. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Considering the information provided, what is a key difference between the male and female urethral opening?

    <p>The male urethral opening lacks a vaginal opening. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following chromosomal configurations typically results in a male embryo?

    <p>One X-shaped and one Y-shaped chromosome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In typical embryonic development, what occurs in the absence of specific hormonal instructions?

    <p>The embryo defaults to a female pathway. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do hormone levels typically differ between biological sexes?

    <p>Hormones differ more by degree than by existing as distinct sets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'intersex' primarily refer to?

    <p>Variations in reproductive or sexual development a person is born with (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a chromosomal variation associated with Klinefelter syndrome?

    <p>Extra X chromosome in males. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a typical characteristic of Turner syndrome (TS)?

    <p>Possible infertility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the underlying cause of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)?

    <p>Resistance to androgens in individuals with XY chromosomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)?

    <p>Enlarged adrenal glands due to a missing enzyme, impairing cortisol production (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a common physical characteristic associated with severe cases of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)?

    <p>Ambiguous genitalia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feminist subtype emphasizes the importance of traditionally feminine characteristics in reshaping society?

    <p>Cultural/Care-focused Feminism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A feminist theorist argues that environmental degradation and the oppression of women stem from the same patriarchal roots. Which perspective does this align with?

    <p>Eco-Feminism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feminist perspective critiques the idea of universal truths about women and gender, emphasizing the socially constructed nature of these concepts?

    <p>Postmodern Feminism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Weber's definition of power, what is the core element that defines power dynamics?

    <p>Achieving desired outcomes despite opposition (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'Periphery' in power theory represents individuals or groups who:

    <p>Are influenced by the Power Centre but have limited access to resources and privilege. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best exemplifies cisnormativity in an institutional setting?

    <p>A healthcare provider automatically assigning pronouns based on appearance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following scenarios is the clearest manifestation of cissexism?

    <p>A healthcare provider denying a transgender person necessary medical care unrelated to their transition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of 'gender binary' limit our understanding of gender identity?

    <p>It simplifies gender into two distinct and opposing categories, ignoring other identities . (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most accurate way to describe an agender person's experience?

    <p>Someone who does not identify with any gender. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following provides the best example of gender non-conformity?

    <p>A transgender person whose gender expression differs from societal expectations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the defining characteristic of an intersex person?

    <p>They possess physical sex markers that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A person assigned male at birth who identifies as female would be described as:

    <p>A trans woman. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following actions would be considered transphobia?

    <p>Misgendering someone intentionally and repeatedly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do cultures that recognize genders beyond the binary challenge Western understandings of gender?

    <p>They illustrate that gender is a social construct with diverse expressions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was an early focus of gender studies (1894) as exemplified by Ellis's research?

    <p>Similarities and disparities between men and women. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to psychoanalytic theory, what is the primary difference in the resolution of the Oedipus and Electra complexes?

    <p>Boys repress their sexual desire for their opposite-sex parent leading to the formation of a superego, while girls do not fully resolve the Electra complex. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the core proposition of the Parental Investment Theory within the evolutionary perspective on gender?

    <p>Men and women have different reproductive strategies due to differing levels of biological investment in offspring. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the central idea behind the social learning theory of gender identity acquisition?

    <p>Gender roles are learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of Nancy Chodorow's work, 'The Reproduction of Mothering,' in understanding gender identity?

    <p>It explains why women mother based on early intimate relationships with their mothers, and the impact on their self-perception and attitudes toward women. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one critique of evolutionary explanations of gender roles and behaviors?

    <p>They may oversimplify complex social and cultural influences on gender roles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the concept of androgyny challenge traditional views of gender?

    <p>By promoting the idea that individuals can display both masculine and feminine traits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of gender development, how do 'gender expression' and 'gender identity' differ?

    <p>Gender expression is how one outwardly manifests gender, while gender identity is an individual's internal sense of self. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the diagram, what is the relationship between biological sex, assigned gender, and gender role?

    <p>Biological sex influences assigned gender, which in turn shapes gender role expectations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might social learning theory explain differences in gender expression between cultures?

    <p>Different cultures have varying norms, role models, and reinforcements that shape gender expression. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of Horney's concept of 'womb envy'?

    <p>To emphasize men's feelings of inadequacy due to their inability to bear children. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Gender Socialization

    The process of learning behaviors prescribed for society’s members based on their sex.

    Sex vs Gender

    Sex refers to biological differences (male, female), while gender refers to culturally defined roles (masculine, feminine).

    Cultural Contingency of Gender

    Gender meanings change over time and differ across cultures, shaped by various societal forces.

    Assigned Sex at Birth

    Determination of sex at birth based on visible anatomy, typically male or female genitalia.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Biological Sex Components

    Biological sex includes chromosomes, hormones, reproductive systems, and internal organs, not just genitalia.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Secondary Sexual Characteristics

    Physical traits that develop during puberty, distinguishing males from females (e.g., body hair, voice changes).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Chromosomal Sex

    Humans have 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs; chromosomal composition is part of biological sex.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    23rd Chromosome Pair

    In females, it consists of two X chromosomes; in males, one X and one Y chromosome, determining genetic sex.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Embryo Genital Development

    Embryo's genitals remain undetermined until the seventh or eighth week of development.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hormonal Influence on Sex

    Hormones influence sexual differentiation; embryos default to female without hormonal instructions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Androgens

    Hormones predominantly present in males, notably testosterone, crucial for male development.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Intersex

    A condition where individuals have variations in sexual characteristics at birth, not related to gender identity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Klinefelter Syndrome

    Condition in males with an extra X chromosome, leading to infertility and developmental challenges.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Turner Syndrome

    Condition in females caused by a missing X chromosome, resulting in short stature and possible infertility.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

    Condition where individuals with XY chromosomes exhibit female traits due to resistance to androgens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

    Condition causing enlarged adrenal glands, leading to ambiguous genitalia due to excess androgens.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cisnormativity

    The assumption that everyone is cissexual and that cisgender identities are more 'normal' and respected.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cissexism

    A system that marginalizes transgender identities as less important than cisgender identities.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender Binary

    The classification of gender into two distinct categories: male or female.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Agender

    A person who identifies as having no gender or a lack of gender identity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender Non-Conforming

    A person who does not adhere to society's expectations of gender roles.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Intersex Person

    An individual born with physical sex markers that are not strictly male or female.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Transgender

    A person who identifies as a gender different from that assigned at birth.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Trans Man

    A person assigned female at birth who identifies as male.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Trans Woman

    A person assigned male at birth who identifies as female.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Transphobia

    Irrational hatred or prejudice against transgender or non-conforming individuals.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Psychoanalytic Theory

    Gender identity shaped by unconscious processes and early experiences.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Oedipus Complex

    A child's feelings of desire for the opposite-sex parent and jealousy toward the same-sex parent.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Electra Complex

    A girl's psychosexual competition with her mother for her father's attention.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Castration Anxiety

    Fear boys have of losing their penis, impacting their gender identity.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Womb Envy

    The idea that men feel envious of women's ability to bear children.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Social Learning Theory

    Gender roles are learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Parental Investment Theory

    Theory that explains the different reproductive strategies of men and women based on biological investment.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender Role

    Societal expectations regarding behaviors appropriate for men and women.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Gender Identity

    An individual’s personal sense of their gender, which may not always align with assigned gender at birth.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cultural/ Care-focused feminism

    Values traditionally feminine traits to reshape society.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Radical Feminism

    Examines patriarchy as a power system oppressing women structurally, seeking to dismantle it.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Women of Color Feminism

    Focuses on gender, race, and class, highlighting unique experiences of women of color.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Eco-Feminism

    Explores the link between women's oppression and environmental exploitation in patriarchal systems.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Postmodern Feminism

    Challenges fixed gender identities, viewing gender as socially constructed by culture and language.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Overview on Sex and Gender

    • Everyday objects are often marketed differently for men and women.
    • Groups were asked to reimagine a product and create a marketing campaign targeted at the opposite gender, and create an advertisement slogan or pitch.
    • Photos of examples of products and marketing campaigns are included(e.g., body spray, deodorant, shoes, hats)

    Gender Psychology

    • Gender psychology explores the influence of gender across cultures on behavior, health, interpersonal relationships, and psychological processes.
    • Originally focused on biological sex differences between men and women, now encompasses social construction of gender and various gender identities.
    • Current topics include within-sex variability, gender identity, gender roles, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender stereotypes and their origins, gender experiences, attitudes, and attributes.

    Need for Gender Psychology

    • Understanding gender identity and expression.
    • Examining gender-based stereotypes and biases.
    • Addressing gender-based violence and harassment.
    • Promoting gender equality and social justice.

    Scope of Gender Psychology

    • Gender identity
    • Gender roles
    • Stereotyping and prejudice
    • Gender and sexuality
    • Intersectionality
    • Social change

    Questions Regarding Sex and Gender

    • How to decide what changes to make to a product to appeal to the opposite gender.
    • Challenges faced in appealing to the opposite gender.
    • How these changes challenge traditional gender roles.
    • How these changes could or could not work in the real world.
    • How does this activity make people think differently about daily products?
    • Has one ever chosen or avoided a product because it didn't "fit" one's gender?

    Sandra Bem's Gender Lenses

    • Biological essentialism: Focuses on reproductive biology as a primary signifier of gender differences.
    • Androcentrism: Centers on masculinity
    • Gender polarization: Sees masculinity and femininity as binary opposites.

    Gender Lenses' Impact

    • Gender lenses contribute to understanding the world but also lead to unequal categorization and sexism, introducing biases.
    • Human biology is impervious to gender lenses and based on scientific facts

    Definitions of Sex and Gender

    • Sex: A person's biological classification as male or female, determined at fertilization. (United Nations definition: physical and biological characteristics distinguishing males and females)
    • Intersex: Individuals with diverse sexual characteristics.
    • Gender: A cultural definition of what it means to be a man or a woman; socially prescribed behaviors based on sex. (Therefore, sex=male, female and gender=masculine, feminine)

    Sex Categories and Gender

    • Sex categories are historically and culturally contingent, and meanings vary across time and cultures.
    • Gender is culturally based and varies across diverse cultures, shaped by political, religious, philosophical, linguistic, and traditional forces.
    • Gender is not something one is born with, but rather something one does or performs (West and Zimmerman, 1987). Butler, 1990)

    Understanding Sex

    • Reproductive anatomy includes the presence or absence of a penis, genital shape, chromosomes, hormones, the function of the reproductive system, and internal accessory organs.
    • Male characteristics(external and internal) and Female characteristics (external and internal) are listed.

    Chromosomal Sex

    • Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 in total).
    • Females have two X chromosomes; males have one X and one Y chromosome.
    • This difference is instrumental in determining genetic sex.

    Chromosomes and Genitals

    • Embryo's genitals remain undetermined until the seventh or eighth week.
    • Hormonal activity influences significant changes around three months.
    • Without specific hormonal instructions, the embryo defaults to the female pathway

    Hormones

    • Hormonal differences in biological sex are more by degree than type.
    • Females generally have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone.
    • Males generally have higher levels of androgens, notably testosterone. Interactions(cooperation) between hormones are also key.

    Intersex

    • Variations in sex development/reproductive development
    • Intersex is not related to a person's gender but to sexual characteristics at birth
    • Variations include external genitalia, internal reproductive organs, and sex chromosomes
    • A 2019 study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests 1.3 of every 1,000 babies have identifiable intersex traits.

    Chromosomal Variations/Syndromes

    • Klinefelter syndrome (males with an extra X chromosome) : Undeveloped testes, enlarged breasts, tall, infertility, low testosterone, learning challenges
    • Prevalence: 1 in 500-1,000 males
    • Turner syndrome (females missing an X chromosome) : Short stature, webbed neck, possible infertility, poor math skills but good verbal ability
    • Prevalence: 1 in 2,500 females

    Hormonal Variations

    • Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS): Resistance to androgens in individuals with XY chromosomes, possibly presenting with some or all female traits.
    • Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): Enlarged adrenal glands due to a missing enzyme, causing cortisol production impairments. Can have ambiguous genitalia, early puberty, excessive androgens, and salt-wasting crises.

    Gonadal Variations

    • Ovotestes: Contain both ovarian and testicular tissue.
    • Hermaphroditism (Greek Mythology): Example of variations where a person has both male and female attributes

    Genderbread Person

    • Visual model to explain gender identity and related concepts: gender identity, attraction, gender expression, and biological sex.
    • Sex: A medical term describing the combination of gonads, chromosomes, primary sex organs, secondary sex characteristics, and hormonal balances.
    • Gender: A complex system of roles, expressions, identities, performances, and more, often assigned based on birth sex.
    • Sexuality: A person's exploration of behaviors, practices, and identities within the social world

    Sexual Orientation

    • Desire for intimate emotional and/or sexual relationships with people of the same or different gender/multiple genders.

    Gender Expression

    • How one outwardly presents their gender.

    Gender Identity

    • A person's internal sense of self as masculine, feminine, both, or neither regardless of external genitalia.

    Gender Normative/Oppression/Cisgender/Cisgender Privilege

    • Gender Normative: Adherence to societal gender expectations.
    • Gender Oppression: Societal, institutional, and individual beliefs and practices that privilege cisgender and subordinate transgender or gender non-conforming people
    • Cisgender: Feeling comfortable with the gender identity assigned at birth.
    • Cisgender Privilege: Benefits and advantages conferred to cisgender individuals.

    Cisnormativity/Cissexism

    • Cisnormativity: the assumption that everyone is cisgender and that cisgender identities are more normal.
    • Cissexism: A system that "others" transgender people and treats their needs as less important than those of cisgender people

    Gender Binary/Agender/Gender Non-Conforming

    • Gender Binary: The idea that there are only two genders (man and woman).
    • Agender: A person without gender
    • Gender Non-Conforming: Individuals who do not conform to societal gender expectations.

    Intersex Person

    • Individuals born with physical sex markers (genitalia, hormones, gonads, or chromosomes) that aren't clearly male or female. Sometimes described as having "ambiguous" genitalia
    • Transgender: A person who lives as a member of a gender other than the expected one based on birth sex. Sexual orientation varies and is not dependent on gender identity.

    Trans Man/Trans Woman/Transphobia

    • Trans Man: A person assigned female at birth but identifying as male
    • Trans Woman: A person assigned male at birth but identifying as female
    • Transphobia: Irrational hatred of transgender or gender non-conforming individuals, sometimes expressed through violence.

    Genders Beyond the Binaries

    • Examples of diverse gender identities in different cultures. (e.g., Hijra in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal; Calalai, Calabai, and Bissu in Indonesia; Muxe in Mexico)

    History of Gender Studies

    • Early research focused on gender differences in intelligence, investigating similarities and differences between men and women and assessing intellectual superiority, examining brain anatomy, and studying brain size comparisons to evaluate possible intellectual inferiority in women.
    • Later research involved studies examining specific brain areas for intellectual functioning and shifted the focus to other brain areas like parietal lobes and concluded that there were no significant differences in intelligence.

    Masculinity and Femininity as a Global Trait

    • Research shift from anatomical studies to gender traits and concepts of masculinity and femininity.
    • Instruments such as AIAS (attitude interest analysis survey) and the MMPI (Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory) were used to measure and validate these traits .
    • Issues like assumptions about and exclusion of women in these studies are pointed out.

    Disgust Reactions

    • A numbered list of things that may or may not cause disgust reactions(e.g., A banana, bad table manners).
    • The reactions included are VM (very much), M (much), L (a little) or N (none)

    Various Topics

    • Full history of abortion rights and laws in America.
    • Gravitas: India's supreme court reaffirms abortion rights
    • #MeToo in Bollywood | DW documentary
    • Traditional vs. Trans: Are there more than 2 genders?
    • Transgender Kids
    • Science proves there are more than two human sexes
    • They buried a girl in my hometown today
    • Discusses issues from historical to contemporary.
    • Explores differing viewpoints/experiences.

    Psychoanalytic Theory/Oedipus vs. Electra Complex

    • Gender identity is shaped by unconscious processes and early experiences.
    • Freud linked gender identity development to unconscious processes, especially the Oedipus/Electra complexes, proposing different psychosexual stages.
    • Descriptions of Oedipus vs. Electra complexes (differences between male and female development and experiences) are offered. This includes aspects like castration anxiety with boys versus penis envy, in girls.

    Newer Developments in Gender Theory

    • Different theories challenge earlier perspectives:
    • Horney’s womb envy
    • Nancy Chodorow, The Reproduction of Mothering: Early, intensely intimate relationships with the mother affects sense of self and attitudes toward women, for both daughters and sons.

    Evolutionary Theory

    • Evolutionary theorists link different reproductive strategies in men and women to biological investment in offspring.
    • Parental investment theory and mate preferences is discussed. Critics argue that it oversimplifies social and cultural influences.

    Social Learning Theory

    • Explains gender role acquisition through observation, imitation, and reinforcement by others.
    • Children learn gender appropriate behaviors by observing and imitating others, particularly same-sex role models.
    • There is positive reinforcement for gender appropriate behaviors and punishment for gender inappropriate behaviors.
    • Key concepts like Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation, related to how these processes function, are explained.
    • Drawbacks/criticism of the theory are also discussed, such as a reductionist perspective, ignoring biological factors, and overlooking cultural variability.

    Cognitive-Social Learning Theory

    • Individuals actively monitor and regulate their behaviors.
    • Learning occurs through vicarious reinforcement/punishment, with individuals observing others,
    • Internalization.
    • Self-Regulation processes of the social learning theory

    Cognitive Developmental Theory

    • Child's understanding of gender identity begins at about ages 2–3.
    • Gender stability is understood at ages 4-5..
    • Gender constancy is achieved around age 6-7

    Gender Schema Theory

    • The theory suggests that individuals develop mental frameworks (schemas) in their understanding of gender roles, and this mental framework impacts their understanding as well as behavior.
    • These schemas are influenced by societal norms, culture, and family expectations.
    • These schemas become ingrained and guide how children perceive, interpret, and remember gender-related information, which can lead to certain behaviors and choices.

    Feminist Theory

    • Feminism is a socio-political and cultural movement advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. It aims to eliminate social, political, and economic inequalities based on gender.
    • Various feminist theories such as liberal, cultural/care-focused, radical, women of color, eco, and postmodern feminism are covered, highlighting different aspects of gender issues and challenging existing frameworks

    Power Theory

    • Power theory examines how power operates in society, relationships, and structures. It explores who holds power, how it is maintained, and how it affects individuals and groups.

    Intersectionality

    • Explains how various social locations or identities (e.g., race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, class, disability/ability, etc.) combine to create unique experiences; and are shaped by the interaction of social locations.
    • It discusses how people experience privilege, oppression, and discrimination simultaneously.

    Minority Stress Theory

    • Stigmatized groups experience negative life events and events stemming from minority status.
    • This theory explains how stigma, prejudice, and discrimination create unique stressors for marginalized or minority groups.
    • Distal and Proximal Stressors are covered.

    Additional Topics

    • History of abortion rights and laws in America.
    • Indian Supreme Court reaffirming abortion rights.
    • Social issues that are related to gender(e.g., #MeToo, Bollywood documentary).

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    An Overview on Sex and Gender PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores fundamental concepts related to gender and sex as defined in the provided content. It examines determinants of sex assigned at birth, secondary sexual characteristics, and societal interpretations of gender roles. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of terms like 'doing gender' and 'intersex.'

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser