Gender and Sexuality as a Social Reality: Definition of Terms

What is the term used to describe a situation where a baby's genitals appear to be a mixture of male and female organs?

Which biological marker, in addition to examining genitals, can be used to determine an individual's sex?

What hormone is typically associated with higher levels in human females?

What might a person be classified as if they have XY sex chromosomes?

What Greek terms were traditionally used to refer to individuals with both male and female genital characteristics?

What is the distinction between sex and gender?

How are sex chromosomes different in females and males?

What is the significance of understanding intersex individuals?

Why is having a clear grasp of the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality important?

What is the ultimate goal in fostering understanding of human sexuality according to the text?

Biological Sex

Biological sex, also referred to as physical sex, is determined by sexual anatomy and physiology.
Sex is typically assigned at birth based on external genital organs associated with reproduction.
Males are typically categorized as having a penis and testicles, while females are categorized as having a vagina.
In some cases, babies may be born with genitals that appear to be a mix of male and female organs, a condition referred to as intersexuality or hermaphroditism.
Intersexuality is a naturally occurring variation in humans and animals, occurring in about 1 in 1,500 births.

Determining Biological Sex

Chromosomes, specifically sex chromosomes (XY for males and XX for females), are used to determine biological sex.
Hormone levels, such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, are also used as biological markers of sex.

Gender and Sexuality

Gender refers to the social interpretation of sex, including masculinity and femininity.
Sexuality refers to the totality of one's experience of their sex and gender.
Gender and sexuality are complex and nuanced, with many implications for understanding human experience and expression.

Key Terms

Sex: the biological aspect of sex, referring to maleness or femaleness.
Gender: the social interpretation of sex, including masculinity, femininity, etc.
Sexuality: the totality of one's experience of their sex and gender.
Sex chromosomes: chromosomal markers that distinguish females (XX) from males (XY).
Intersex: individuals born with composite genitals, possessing characteristics of both male and female genitals.

Explore the definitions of sex, gender, sexuality, sex chromosomes, and intersex in the context of their social significance. Understand the distinctions between biological sex and social interpretations of gender.