Questions and Answers
What does it mean to say that gender is a social construct?
Gender being socially constructed means society has made a framework of what male and female roles in and out of the home are supposed to be.
What evidence led scholars to conclude that gender is a social construct?
Scholars looked at women's rights, how women were once treated like property, and how they were portrayed in media.
What are some ways in which power is symbolically linked to masculinity in our society?
Power is linked to masculinity through stereotypes of men being strong, hardworking, and the 'breadwinner' of the family.
What is intersectionality?
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Why is it important to keep intersectionality in mind when studying gender?
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What does it mean to say that oppression and privilege are opposite sides of the same coin?
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Provide an example of oppression and privilege.
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What is sex?
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What is intersex?
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What is gender?
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What is gender binary?
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What is gender identity?
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What is gender socialization?
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What is gender expression?
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What does it mean to do gender?
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What is gender policing?
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What is the gendered double standard?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Test your understanding of gender as a social construct with these flashcards. Delve into the biological, cultural, and historical evidence that supports the argument of gender roles being shaped by societal influences. This quiz is essential for grasping fundamental concepts in Women's and Gender Studies.
