Social Constructs of Gender and Race

Social Constructs of Gender and Race

• Social constructs, like gender and race, are not based on scientific evidence but rather social norms and perceptions.
• Gender is a social construct that refers to the socially created expectations and behaviours related to sex.
• The gender binary is the categorisation of gender into two distinct categories: male and female.
• Heteronormativity, the idea that heterosexuality is the default and superior expression of sexuality, reinforces the gender binary and excludes LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Hegemonic masculinity is a dominant form of masculinity that reinforces traditional gender roles and expectations, often at the expense of women and LGBTQI+ individuals.

Social Construction of Race

• Race is a social construct, not a biological reality. It is a social categorization based on superficial physical characteristics, often used to justify inequality and discrimination.
• The concept of race was developed to justify colonialism and slavery.
• Racism is a system of oppression that uses racial prejudice to justify social hierarchies and discriminatory practices.

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Sex: The physical differences in hormones, chromosomes, and genitals between male, female, and intersex bodies.
• Gender: The socially created expectations and behaviours related to the sexes.
• Heteronormativity: The idea that heterosexuality is the default and superior expression of sexuality.
• Hegemonic Masculinity: A dominant form of masculinity that reinforces traditional gender roles and expectations.
• Racism: A system of oppression that uses racial prejudice to justify social hierarchies and discriminatory practices.