Gender Studies Key Terms

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Questions and Answers

What does 'doing gender' refer to?

The study of sex differences in behavior.

The way individuals express their biological traits.

The rigid application of gender roles in all situations.

The performance of tasks based on societal gender assignments. (correct)

What is the primary belief associated with biological determinism?

Gender roles are socially constructed.

Sexual orientation is entirely a choice.

Men and women behave differently due to biological differences. (correct)

Society has no influence on gender behavior.

The term 'glass ceiling' refers to what concept?

The societal expectation of women's roles in the home.

Unequal pay for women in the workplace.

An invisible barrier preventing women's advancement in high-level positions. (correct)

The assumption that women cannot lead effectively.

What does gender dysphoria entail?

A condition causing distress due to a mismatch between one's sex assigned at birth and gender identity. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) explicitly limit?

The definition of marriage to a union between one man and one woman. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the societal norms that assume heterosexuality and cisgender identities as defaults?

Heteronormativity Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological perspective emphasizes power imbalances in gender and sexuality?

Conflict Theory Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sex education program is associated with lower rates of teen pregnancy and STIs?

Comprehensive education Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'pay gap' refer to?

Earnings disparity between men and women Signup and view all the answers

What concept does queer theory challenge?

Binary notions of gender and sexuality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following challenges do LGBTQ+ individuals commonly face?

Discrimination in healthcare Signup and view all the answers

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Distress due to incongruence between assigned sex and gender identity Signup and view all the answers

What do structural functionalists believe is essential for social order?

The regulation of sexual behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of the 'glass ceiling' refer to?

An unrecognized obstacle preventing women from top positions. Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is NOT typically associated with feminist movements?

Eradication of all cultural norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of sex education in the U.S.?

It tends to encourage abstinence-only education. Signup and view all the answers

Which sociological perspective views traditional gender roles as necessary for social stability?

Structural Functionalism Signup and view all the answers

How does Conflict Theory view gender inequality?

As a power struggle where one group exploits another. Signup and view all the answers

What is one impact of institutionalized sexism in health care?

Biases that lead to underdiagnosis of conditions like depression. Signup and view all the answers

Which historical figure is associated with increased political involvement of women?

Betty Friedan Signup and view all the answers

What societal trend creates a double standard regarding sexual behavior?

Higher sexual freedom for men compared to women. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of gender identity?

It can differ from the assigned sex at birth. Signup and view all the answers

What does symbolic interactionism focus on regarding gender?

The meanings attached to gender in social interactions. Signup and view all the answers

What societal factor contributes to the motherhood penalty in the workplace?

Stereotypes about mothers' commitment to work. Signup and view all the answers

What role does socialization play in gender roles?

It starts from early childhood and shapes perceptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which perspective challenges rigid gender roles and promotes fluidity in sexual identity?

Queer Theory Signup and view all the answers

What best defines sexism?

The preference for one gender over another based on societal conventions. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a person's attraction to a particular sex?

Sexual orientation Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of gender dysphoria?

The psychological discomfort when one’s gender identity doesn’t align with their assigned sex at birth. Signup and view all the answers

How do binary views of gender differ from fluid views?

Binary views strictly categorize gender into male and female, while fluid views recognize the spectrum of gender identities. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the societal assumptions that heterosexuality is the default sexual orientation?

Heteronormativity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary issue faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in terms of healthcare?

Systemic discrimination affecting the quality of care. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes gender socialization?

The process through which society teaches individuals to conform to gender roles. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does gendered language have in society?

It can reinforce biases and inequalities between genders. Signup and view all the answers

How is the concept of the pay gap defined?

The difference in earnings between men and women performing similar roles. Signup and view all the answers

What does transitioning entail for transgender individuals?

Medical or legal changes to align with one’s gender identity, which can include various procedures. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately characterizes gender roles?

They are specific behaviors associated with being male or female that can vary culturally. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for culturally created definitions about appropriate sex-linked behavior?

Social construction of sexuality Signup and view all the answers

What role does family play in reinforcing gender roles?

Family expectations often encourage children to adopt traditional gender roles. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes sexual orientation from gender identity?

Sexual orientation is about attraction, while gender identity is about self-perception. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Concepts

Biological determinism: The belief that differences in behavior between men and women are due to inherent biological differences.
Doing gender: Performing tasks and behaviors based on societal and personal gender expectations.
DOMA: The Defense of Marriage Act, limiting marriage to one man and one woman.
Double standard: Differential treatment of men and women regarding premarital sexual conduct.
Gender: Social/cultural distinctions of behaviors associated with masculinity and femininity.
Gender dysphoria: Distress due to incongruence between assigned sex and gender identity.
Gender identity: Internal perception of one's gender.
Gender role: Societal expectations about how men and women should behave.
Glass ceiling: Barriers preventing women from reaching senior positions in business.
Heterosexism: Ideology and practices that privilege heterosexuality over other sexual orientations.
Homophobia: Extreme aversion to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Intersex: Individuals with sex characteristics outside typical male/female binary.
Misogyny: Hatred, aversion, or prejudice against women.
Pay gap: Difference in earnings between men and women.
Sex: Biological/physiological differences between males and females.
Sexism: Belief valuing one sex over another.
Sexual orientation: Physical, mental, and emotional attraction to others of a particular sex.
Sexuality: Capacity for sexual feelings.
Social construction of sexuality: Socially defined appropriateness of sex-linked behavior.
Transgender: Individuals who identify with behaviors and characteristics different from assigned sex.

Definitions and Distinctions

Sex vs. Gender: Sex relates to biology; gender relates to social roles and behaviors.
Gender identity: A person's internal sense of gender, possibly differing from assigned sex at birth.
Sexual orientation: A person's emotional, physical, and/or sexual attraction to others.
Gender expression: How a person outwardly expresses their gender.

Cultural Variability and Norms

Binary vs. Fluid: Some cultures view gender as binary (male/female), while others recognize non-binary or third-gender categories.
Heteronormativity and Cisnormativity: Social assumption that heterosexuality and cisgender identities are the norm.

Legal and Societal Perspectives

Sex and Gender in Law: Current legal framework around sex and gender is evolving.
Gender Roles: Societal expectations for men and women based on gender, often differing culturally and historically.

LGBTQ+ Identities and Issues

LGBTQ+ Spectrum: Range of identities including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual.
Discrimination: LGBTQ+ individuals experience various forms of discrimination globally.

Being an Ally and Inclusive Language

Supportive Language and Behavior: Shows support through inclusive language, pronoun usage, and respecting privacy.
Inclusive Language: Using gender-neutral language promotes inclusivity and reduces bias.

Gender Dysphoria and Transitioning

Gender Dysphoria: Distress when gender identity differs from assigned sex at birth.
Transitioning: Process where individuals adjust their appearance, legal documents, or undergo medical procedures to align with their gender identity.

Socialization and Gender Roles in Childhood

Role Socialization: Early introduction of gender roles through interactions with family, peers, and media.
Occupational Sorting: Gender socialization influences career choices.

Historical and Contemporary LGBTQ+ Discrimination

Past Legal Restrictions: Same-sex acts were historically criminalized.
Healthcare and Social Discrimination: LGBTQ+ individuals face bias in healthcare and social contexts.

Evolution of Terminology: Continuous development of terms used to describe gender and sexuality.
Heterosexism and Homophobia: Prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals, often rooted in societal biases.

Socialization and Gender Roles

Gender Socialization: Process of learning societal expectations regarding gender roles.
Stereotypes and Sexism: Gender stereotypes contribute to sexism and inequality.
Gender Role Reinforcement: Family, education, peers, and media reinforce traditional gender roles.

Agents of Gender Socialization

Family: Often a primary influence in early gender socialization.
Education: Historical and current biases in educational settings.
Peer Groups: Peer pressure and reinforcement of gender roles.
Mass Media: Often portrays gender stereotypes, particularly with regards to women's roles and representation in leadership.

Gender Stratification and Inequality

Gender Stratification: Unequal access to resources based on gender.
Pay Gap: Women earn less than men, often due to systemic factors.
The Glass Ceiling: Barriers to women in reaching top positions in workplaces.
Women in Politics: Limited representation and advocacy by women in politics.

Feminism and Movements for Change

Rise of Feminism: Movements advocating for women's rights.
Key Figures and Actions: Influential feminists, and various actions led to progress in women's rights.
Achievements of Feminism: Legal reforms, awareness, and recognition of women's issues.

Sociological Perspectives on Gender

Structural Functionalism: Traditional gender roles viewed as essential for social stability.
Conflict Theory: Gender inequality viewed as a power struggle.
Feminist Theory: Focus on gender inequality, patriarchy, and challenging male dominance.
Symbolic Interactionism: Exploration of gender as a performance and social construct.

Health and Gender Assumptions

Gender Bias in Health: Societal perceptions of "health" linked to male characteristics, possibly leading to diagnostic biases.
Institutionalized Sexism in Health: Social impressions of femininity can impact women's health outcomes.

Sexual Attitudes and Practices

Sexual Attitudes Worldwide: Variation in sexual norms across cultures.
U.S. Sexual Attitudes: Relatively conservative norms compared to some industrialized nations.
Double Standard: Unequal treatment of women and men regarding premarital sexual behavior.

Sex Education in the U.S.

Controversy: Debate surrounding abstinence-only vs. comprehensive sex education.
Effectiveness: Effectiveness of comprehensive sex education.

Sociological Perspectives on Sex and Sexuality

Structural Functionalism: Emphasizes regulating sexual behavior for family and societal order.
Conflict Theory: Explores power imbalances in sexuality and how dominant groups affect societal norms.
Symbolic Interactionism: Focuses on how societal labels shape sexual identities.
Queer Theory: Challenges rigid gender and sexuality categories.

Key Issues and Concepts

Gender Dysphoria: Distress due to incongruence between assigned sex and gender identity.
Heteronormativity and Cisnormativity: Underlying assumptions that heterosexuality and cisgender identities are the norm.
Sex Education: Ongoing debate on curricula and effectiveness.

Implications and Future Directions

Increased awareness and education: Reduce stereotypes and discrimination around gender and sexuality.
Policy changes: Address systemic inequalities in education, employment, and healthcare.
Advocacy: Support gender and sexual diversity across society.

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Description

This quiz focuses on essential terms and concepts in gender studies, exploring the dynamics of gender identity, roles, and the societal constructs surrounding them. Test your understanding of biological determinism, gender dysphoria, and other key vocabulary. Ideal for students of gender studies or anyone interested in social dynamics.