Unger (1979) on Sex and Gender Binaries Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the key difference between sex and gender?

Sex refers to biological aspects, while gender refers to non-biological, culturally constructed aspects. (correct)

Sex is determined by chromosomes, while gender is determined by hormones.

Sex refers to masculine traits, while gender refers to feminine traits.

Sex refers to the binary of male and female, while gender refers to the binary of masculine and feminine.

Which of the following challenges the idea of sex as a dimorphic (two-part) system?

The fact that approximately 1.7% of infants are intersexual.

The idea that the brain is a mosaic, with no clear male or female brain.

The finding that differences in male and female hormones, such as testosterone, are small and influenced by situations.

All of the above. (correct)

How does the text describe the cultural organization of gender?

Culture recognizes a spectrum of gender identities beyond the male-female binary.

Culture sets the norms of appearance and verbal labeling, and organizes skills around gender. (correct)

Culture encourages individuals to embrace both masculine and feminine traits.

Culture has no influence on the organization of gender, which is biologically determined.

What did Sandra Bem's research on androgyny find?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text say about the common belief in male and female hormones, such as testosterone?

Hormone differences are small, with significant overlap, and are influenced by situations. Signup and view all the answers

What did the text state about the relationship between androgyny and quality of life for girls?

Androgyny was positively correlated with quality of life for girls. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental difference between gender role and gender traits according to the text?

Gender role refers to societal expectations based on sex, while gender traits refer to personality characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cultures is described as having an androgynous society?

Tahiti Signup and view all the answers

Based on the physiological differences mentioned in the text, which of the following statements is TRUE?

Males have a higher muscle mass compared to females. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in mathematical ability between boys and girls?

Boys outperform girls in mathematical ability, but only among high achievers and during adolescence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best represents the 'minimalist' view on differences between the sexes, as described in the text?

Differences between males and females are not important enough to be studied or considered. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding verbal ability differences between boys and girls?

Girls have a small advantage in written verbal ability, but boys are more talkative in adulthood. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Differences Between Sex and Gender

Sex refers to biological and physiological characteristics, while gender is a social and cultural construct.
Gender roles and expectations can vary dramatically across different societies and contexts.

Challenges to Dimorphic Idea of Sex

Intersex individuals highlight the complexity of biological variations, challenging the notion of a strict two-part system for sex.
Research in genetics and endocrinology further supports a spectrum of sexual development and characteristics.

Cultural Organization of Gender

Cultural norms dictate how gender is expressed and perceived, often reinforcing stereotypes and roles.
These cultural frameworks contribute to the enforcement of gender expectations across different societies.

Sandra Bem's Research on Androgyny

Bem's research indicates that androgyny (a blend of masculine and feminine traits) can lead to greater flexibility in behavior and identity.
Findings suggest that individuals with androgynous traits may experience higher self-esteem and well-being.

Common Belief About Male and Female Hormones

The belief that testosterone and estrogen exclusively dictate male and female behaviors is overly simplistic.
Hormonal influences are complex and can vary widely among individuals, suggesting a need for a more nuanced understanding.

Androgyny and Quality of Life for Girls

Higher levels of androgyny in girls correlate with better life satisfaction and adaptability.
Androgynous girls often break away from restrictive gender norms, leading to more diverse life choices.

Gender Roles vs. Gender Traits

Gender roles are societal expectations for behavior based on one's sex, while gender traits refer to the psychological attributes individuals possess.
Understanding this distinction helps to appreciate the diversity of individual identities beyond traditional norms.

Androgynous Societies

Cultures like the Native American Two-Spirit individuals exemplify societies with androgynous elements, recognizing multiple gender identities.
These cultures often provide a more fluid understanding of gender and sexuality.

Physiological Differences Statements

Variations in physiological characteristics exist across sexes, but there is significant overlap, making broad generalizations misleading.

Primary Difference in Mathematical Ability

Research indicates no significant differences in mathematical ability by gender, though stereotypes may persist.
Encouragement and cultural context play significant roles in the development of mathematical skills in both boys and girls.

Minimalist View on Sex Differences

The minimalist perspective argues that while some differences exist, they are often exaggerated, focusing on similarities over disparities.
This view emphasizes the importance of recognizing commonalities in abilities and characteristics across genders.

Verbal Ability Differences

Differences in verbal ability between boys and girls are not consistent across all studies, but girls often outperform boys in early language skills.
Socialization and teaching methods can influence the development of verbal abilities in both sexes.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Unger's (1979) concept of sex and gender binaries, the distinction between sex (biological aspects) and gender (culturally constructed aspects), as well as challenges to the traditional binary view of sex and gender. Explore the complexities of intersexuality and the fallacies associated with considering sex as a dimorphic system.