Gender Socialization Flashcards

Definitions of Key Terms

• Sex: Refers to ascribed biological differences distinguishing males (XY) from females (XX), including chromosomal and hormonal factors, and roles in reproduction.
• Gender: Achieved social positions shaped by societal norms; encompasses the social, psychological, and behavioral aspects of identity, including expressions of masculinity and femininity.
• Sexuality: Encompasses desire, preferences, identity, and behaviors related to sexual attraction.
• Gender Essentialism: Belief that gender roles are inherently biological or genetic, suggesting roles are fixed.
• Biological Determinism: Theories suggesting social behavior is determined by natural biological factors.

Approaches to Gender

• Constructionist Approach: Argues that gender is socially constructed and varies across contexts; gender identity evolves through socialization.
• Gender Roles: Social expectations dictating the acceptable behaviors, attitudes, and activities associated with masculinity and femininity.

Socialization Processes

• Socialization: The method through which individuals acquire societal expectations and norms.
• Gender Role Socialization: The process where individuals learn societal expectations for masculinity and femininity based on gender stereotypes.
• Childhood Socialization: Begins at birth, influenced by age and education; agents include parents, media, and peers.
• Parental Socialization: Parenting practices vary based on the child’s sex and gender identity.
• Media Socialization: Media representations and advertisements often reinforce specific gender norms.

Gender Concepts and Dynamics

• Hyper-masculinity: Exaggerated male behaviors focused on strength, aggression, and sexuality.
• Emphasized Femininity: An idealized form of femininity catering to male interests, often focused on appearance and subservience.
• Hegemonic Masculinity: The dominant cultural ideal of masculinity that privileges men's interests while rendering this dominance invisible.

Gender Inequality

• Gender Inequality: Disparities in access to resources and opportunities based on gender, evident in multiple societal areas.
• Mommy Profiling: Employment discrimination targeting women based on parenthood status.
• The Glass Ceiling: An invisible barrier preventing women from advancing in their careers.
• The Glass Escalator: The phenomenon where men in female-dominated occupations often gain promotions more easily.
• The Gender Pay Gap: The earnings disparity between men and women, with the current U.S. average at 79%, influenced by race, age, and location.

Feminist Perspectives

• Human Capital Theory: Assumes individuals have different characteristics impacting job prospects; often, women are viewed as having lower human capital.
• Occupational Segregation: The division of labor by gender; common classifications include blue collar, pink collar, and white collar jobs.
• The Second Shift: Refers to the additional unpaid labor women perform at home beyond their employment responsibilities.
• Feminism: Advocates for equal opportunities and respect for women.

Theoretical Perspectives on Patriarchy

• Structural Functionalism: Views assigned gender roles as essential for societal function, promoting stability through traditional nuclear family structures.
• Conflict Theory: Emphasizes historical male dominance over resources and privileges, suggesting a need to maintain power.
• Symbolic Interactionism: Explores how gender roles are learned and replicated through social interactions, reinforcing societal norms.

Intersectionality and Feminism

• Black Feminism: Highlights how race, class, and gender intersect, arguing that historical feminism primarily center on the experiences of white middle-class women.
• Postmodernism: Recognizes the diversity of gender roles across different cultures and contexts.

Consequences of Gender Inequality

• Significant repercussions exist across all societal sectors, including:
  • Education
  • Politics
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Assault
  • Economic disparities
  • Health care access.

Explore key concepts related to gender socialization with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential definitions and distinctions between sex and gender, helping you understand their implications in society and culture.