Gender and Violence Against Women

Sex is not always clear-cut due to hormone imbalances before birth. Hermaphrodites, named after Hermes and Aphrodite, possess both male and female characteristics. The Navajo culture views hermaphroditism as an embodiment of full potential, rather than confusion.

Humans are meaning-makers who create and inhabit worlds of meaning. These interpretations are passed down through generations.

Sexual orientation refers to an individual's physical, mental, emotional, and sexual attraction towards a particular sex. It encompasses four categories: heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual.

Heteronormativity assumes that sexual orientation is biologically determined and unambiguous, favoring heterosexual relationships.

Sexuality exists on a continuum rather than a strict dichotomy of gay or straight. It recognizes the fluidity and complexity of individual experiences.

Homosocial describes non-sexual same-sex relationships, distinct from homosexual which describes sexual attraction to the same sex.

Western societies tend to impose stricter boundaries on male expressions of affection and intimacy compared to females. This is driven by heteronormative expectations.

Heterosexism is an ideology and a set of practices that privilege heterosexual individuals and relationships, leading to systematic disadvantage for those with other sexual orientations.

An extreme or irrational aversion to homosexuals, often leading to stereotyping and discrimination.

The social constructs of how men and women are expected to behave and appear, based on societal norms.

The process of learning and internalizing gender roles from birth, influenced by societal expectations and cultural influences.

A person's deep and fundamental sense of their own gender identity, which may or may not align with their biological sex.

Individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Transgender individuals who seek to align their physical body with their gender identity through medical interventions such as surgery and hormone therapy.

The influence of genetics, prenatal hormone levels, childhood experiences, and societal norms on gender identity.

Individuals who identify with the opposite gender from the sex they were assigned at birth.

The condition of individuals whose assigned gender at birth does not align with their internal sense of gender.

A set of dominant behaviors, roles, and traits associated with a particular gender, usually considered the 'ideal' for that gender in a society.

Oversimplified and often inaccurate beliefs about the characteristics, behaviors, and capabilities of men and women.

Prejudice and discrimination based on sex, often leading to unequal treatment and opportunities for women.

The first agent of socialization, where parents and caregivers influence a child's understanding of gender roles and behaviors.

The process by which individuals are exposed to repeated messages and behaviors that reinforce societal norms for masculinity and femininity, leading to a false sense of naturalness.

Social institutions, such as education, media, religion, and the workplace, contributing to the perpetuation of gender roles and expectations.

A social process where individuals learn and internalize gender roles, norms, and expectations based on their sex.

A system of social organization where men hold power and dominance over women. It manifests in various aspects of society, including politics, economics, and culture.

The expectation and pressure placed on women to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty dictated by society. It can have negative impacts on women's self-esteem and well-being.

The process of reproducing and reinforcing gender roles and stereotypes within educational institutions. It can manifest in curriculum, teacher interactions, and social dynamics.

The use of media, such as television, movies, and advertising, to portray and reinforce gender stereotypes and expectations. It can influence individuals' perceptions and beliefs about gender.

A system of social stratification where groups of individuals have unequal access to resources, power, and opportunities based on their social position, often defined by factors such as class, race, and gender.

The ways in which different social groups experience varying levels of access to valuable resources and opportunities. It can be based on factors such as class, race, gender, and sexual orientation.

A person's capacity for sexual feelings and desires.

A cultural universal that involves practices and attitudes around sexual behavior.

A social rule that forbids sexual relationships between certain family members, typically between parents and children or siblings.

The socially accepted system of sexual behaviors and attitudes within a culture.

The process by which individuals learn about and internalize sexual norms, values, and beliefs.

A double standard that often exists regarding male and female sexual behavior, with men being seen as having more sexual freedom.

A sociological perspective that emphasizes the importance of regulating sexual behavior to maintain family stability.

A theoretical perspective on sexuality that sees sexual behavior as socially constructed and influenced by power dynamics.

A theory that examines how power imbalances shape societal views on sexuality, particularly within the context of traditional marriage and the nuclear family. It argues that dominant groups (e.g., heterosexuals) maintain their power and privilege by defining and promoting their worldview, often pushing back against perceived challenges from minority groups.

A sociological perspective that emphasizes the meanings and interpretations associated with various aspects of sexuality and sexual orientation. It highlights how these meanings are shaped by social interactions and how they influence individuals' self-perceptions and behaviors.

The idea that traditional notions of masculinity are often valued and rewarded in society, while femininity is devalued and often ridiculed. This can lead to pressure on individuals, particularly men, to conform to masculine norms and ideals.

A social movement that aims to empower women and challenge gender inequality. Some feminist perspectives analyze how societal structures perpetuate gender-based violence and oppression, including sexual violence and harassment.

A theoretical framework that challenges rigid categories of gender and sexuality. It questions the binary of male/female and the ways in which societal norms restrict individuals' experiences and expressions of sexuality.

A feminist perspective that critiques pornography as a form of objectification of women, promoting a harmful ideology that reinforces male power and sexual violence. It argues that pornography perpetuates a culture that normalizes and trivializes the exploitation and abuse of women.

The idea that the legalization of same-sex marriage recognizes it as a fundamental right and cannot be denied based on sexual orientation. Legal marriage is seen as a crucial step towards achieving full equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The assertion that the cessation of procreation would result from widespread acceptance of homosexuality. This statement is a common argument used to oppose same-sex relationships and is based on a flawed understanding of population dynamics and the role of sexuality in society.