WGS 100 Midterm Exam Flashcards

Gender as a Social Construct

• Gender roles are defined by societal expectations about what is acceptable behavior for males and females.
• Historical context includes the treatment of women as property and their portrayal in media, illustrating the construct of gender.

Power and Masculinity

• Power is often associated with traditionally masculine traits such as strength, work ethic, and being the family provider.
• Societal expectations create pressure on men to adhere to these stereotypes, affecting those who do not conform to physical ideals.

Intersectionality

• Defined as a critical concept in feminist analysis regarding how various identities and oppressions intersect.
• Important for studying gender as it considers the diverse experiences of different races and the impact of privilege on societal acceptance.

Oppression and Privilege

• Oppression and privilege exist simultaneously, with each form of oppression countered by specific privileges.
• Example: Racial oppression (e.g., racism) coexists with white privilege, observable in hiring practices and societal treatment of different races.

Definitions of Sex, Gender, and Related Terms

• Sex: Biological classifications of male and female.
• Intersex: Conditions where an individual's sexual anatomy does not fit typical definitions of male or female.
• Gender: A socially constructed set of characteristics and behaviors assigned to a specific sex.

Gender Conceptual Frameworks

• Gender Binary: The classification of gender strictly based on biological sex at birth, leading to rigid identity expectations.
• Gender Identity: An individual's personal sense of their gender.

Gender Socialization and Expression

• Gender Socialization: The process through which individuals present themselves as gendered beings through various forms of expression.
• Gender Expression: The outward demonstration of gender identity through physical traits and behaviors.

Concepts of Gender in Society

• Doing Gender: The idea that gender is an ongoing social construct manifesting in daily interactions and behaviors.
• Gender Policing: Social responses aimed at enforcing adherence to gender norms.
• Gendered Double Standard: Different behavioral expectations and judgments for women and men based on the same actions.