Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the theory that suggests characteristics like gender are products of human definition and interpretation?
What is the theory that suggests characteristics like gender are products of human definition and interpretation?
Cultural categories like 'men' and 'women' are fixed and natural.
Cultural categories like 'men' and 'women' are fixed and natural.
False
Who said, 'One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman'?
Who said, 'One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman'?
Simone de Beauvoir
The belief that men are taller than women is an accurate gender _____.
The belief that men are taller than women is an accurate gender _____.
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What major social phenomenon is highlighted by the changing average height difference between genders over the last century?
What major social phenomenon is highlighted by the changing average height difference between genders over the last century?
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What incident sparked global outrage regarding gender eligibility in women's sports?
What incident sparked global outrage regarding gender eligibility in women's sports?
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The social construction of gender posits that there is no inherent truth to gender; it is shaped by social norms and _____.
The social construction of gender posits that there is no inherent truth to gender; it is shaped by social norms and _____.
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Study Notes
Cultural Categories and Social Constructionism
- Cultural categories are not fixed, their boundaries are fluid. They are shaped by society, history, and institutions.
- Social Constructionism recognizes that seemingly fixed characteristics like gender, race, and age are human-made concepts shaped by culture and history.
- This challenges essentialism – the idea that these characteristics are innate and biological.
- Gender is socially constructed and associated with characteristics of men and women, influencing how these categories are perceived.
Social Construction of Reality
- Human beings create their own understanding of reality through communication and interaction.
- This shapes how we interpret the world and engage with others.
- The construction of reality is a historical process involving the categorization of experiences and treating them as real phenomena.
- Different cultures lead to different understandings of social phenomena.
- Gender is not inherently true, it is shaped by societal expectations and norms.
Fashion and Gender
- During the Renaissance, the ideal female body was voluptuous with small breasts, large tummy, and hips.
- In 1600s Europe, men wore bold colors, high heels, wigs, and makeup. Blue was associated with femininity.
The Social Impact on Biology
- Social reality can influence biology.
- The height difference between men and women has been shrinking in the last 100 years due to changes in nutrition.
- These changes in nutrition were brought about by shifting cultural beliefs.
Height Judgement and Stereotypes
- People's judgments about height are influenced by stereotypes about men being taller than women. This stereotype comes from everyday interactions.
- In studies, participants were more likely to judge adult men as taller than women and seventh-grade females taller than seventh-grade males.
Gender Controversies
- There have been controversies about gender and its role in athletics.
- In 2019, two athletes in the Chinese Women’s 4x400 Relay faced questioning about their gender.
- The Chinese Athletic Association confirmed they were women despite public doubts.
- There was also controversy surrounding two female boxers who failed a gender eligibility test, as they had male chromosomes.
- The International Boxing Association (IBA) has been under fire for decisions on gender eligibility, leading to the IOC stripping their governing status.
Social Construction of Gender
- Gender is a social construct.
- Simone de Beauvoir argued that one does not simply "become" a woman, but rather is a "creature" produced by society.
- This highlights the role of culture and society in shaping gender identity.
Social Expectations of Gender Identity
- Societal expectations play a significant role in how we understand gender identity.
- These expectations are reinforced by cultural beliefs, norms, and practices.
- Socialization processes contribute to shaping our perceptions of gender and its role in society.
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