Ch 8 Sex and Gender Outline PDF

SEXUALITIES and GENDERS CHAPTER 8 Sex and Gender Sex Refers to the biological differences between males and females: Male or female genitals and a genetic program that releases male or female hormones to stimulate the development of the reproductive system. Sex and Gender...

SEXUALITIES and GENDERS CHAPTER 8 Sex and Gender Sex Refers to the biological differences between males and females: Male or female genitals and a genetic program that releases male or female hormones to stimulate the development of the reproductive system. Sex and Gender Gender Refers to the socially defined differences between males and females: Feelings, attitudes, and behaviours that are typically associated with being male or female. Sex and Intersex Intersex People who do not fit conventional male or female sex categories. It is estimated that 1.7 percent of people lie somewhere between “male” or “female” as it is traditionally understood. https://www.ted.com/talks/alice_dreger_is_anatomy_destiny?language=en Gender and Transgender Gender Identity A person’s identification with (sense of belonging to) a particular sex— biologically, psychologically, and socially. Gender Role When you behave according to widely shared expectations about how males or females are “supposed” to act, you adopt a gender role. Gender and Transgender Transgender Refers to people who are not comfortable with their birth-assigned gender or do not fit into conventional male or female gender categories. Gender Theories Essentialism A school of thought that views gender differences as a reflection of biological differences between women and men. Social Constructionism A school of thought that views gender differences as a reflection of the different social positions occupied by women and men. Gender Theories Functionalism and Essentialism Learning the essential features of femininity and masculinity integrates society and ensures proper functioning. Gender role socialization: Boys – Masculinity and “instrumental” traits Girls – Femininity and “expressive” traits Gender Theories Main criticisms of essentialism: 1. Ignores the historical and cultural variability of gender and sexuality. http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/content/two-spirits_map-html/ 2. Tends to generalize from the average, ignoring variations within gender groups. 3. Little or no direct evidence directly supports the essentialists’ major claims. Gender Theories Main criticisms of essentialism: 4. Explanations for gender differences ignore the role of power. Gender Theories Conflict Theory The root of male domination is found in class inequality. Men gained control over economic surplus —needed to ensure their offspring would inherit. Gender Theories Feminist Theory Argues that male domination is rooted in: Patriarchal authority relations Family structures Enduring patterns of socialization and culture that exist throughout most societies Symbolic Interactionism and Social Constructionism Social Constructionism The view that apparently natural or innate features of life, such as gender, are actually sustained by social processes that vary historically and culturally. Symbolic Interactionism A focus on the way people attach meaning to things in the course of their everyday communication. Gender Socialization Gender ideology A set of ideas about what constitutes appropriate masculine and feminine roles and behaviour in society. Gender Socialization Gender “learning the feminine and masculine” Toys that are marketed to / purchased for girls and boys Competitive versus cooperative play patterns Gender Socialization Gender “something that is done, not just given” Children actively engage in the process of constructing gender roles. Boundaries between boys and girls are sometimes rigid and other times fluid, depending on social circumstances: – “boundary crossing” Gender Socialization The Complexities of Gender https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRcPXt qdKjE Gender Socialization The Mass Media and Body Image Reinforcement of traditional gender roles Portrayal of ‘ideal’ bodies Gender Socialization Male–Female Interaction The gender roles children learn in their families, at school, and through the mass media form the basis of their social interaction as adults. Glass ceiling A social barrier that makes it difficult for women to rise to the top level of management. Sexual Orientation Heterosexuals People who prefer members of the opposite sex as sexual partners. Homosexuals People who prefer sexual partners of the same sex. Bisexuals People who enjoy sexual partners of either sex. Sexual Orientation Queer Theory Questions the existence of stable sexual orientations. Labels (“heterosexual”, “bisexual”, “gay”, “lesbian”) do not capture the fluidity and variability of people’s identities and experiences.  Sexual Orientation Homosexuality Term coined in the 1860s: Creation of a distinct category of people, even though homosexual behaviour has existed in every society. Sexual Orientation Opposition to Homosexuality Homophobia: The repression or fear of homosexuals. In Canada, about 4 out of 10 adults believe that relations between adults of the same sex are always, or almost always, wrong. Rejection of homosexuality is correlated with – age – gender – region Gender Inequality The Earnings Gap One of the most important expressions of gender inequality today: 1967 – 58 percent 1980 – 64 percent 1993 – 73 percent 2011 – 72 percent Gender Inequality Gender gap in earnings – four main factors: 1. Gender discrimination: Rewarding women and men differently for the same work. 2. Women tend to be concentrated in low-wage occupations and industries. Occupational sex segregation Gender Inequality Gender gap in earnings – four main factors 3. Heavy domestic responsibilities reduce women’s earnings. Child-rearing / housework / eldercare 4. Work done by women is commonly considered less valuable than work done by men, because it is viewed as involving fewer skills. Male Aggression Against Women Sexual Assault Police-reported sexual assaults number approximately 25 000 annually. More than 8 out of 10 victims are women. Nearly all of the accused perpetrators are men. Sexual assault rates are higher among young singles. Male Aggression Against Women Acquaintance rape A sexual assault involving intercourse committed by a non-relative whom the victim knows. Male Aggression Against Women Sexual Assault Explanations 1. Psychological (individual) 2. Sociological (social conditions and situations) Sexual Harassment 1. Quid pro quo sexual harassment 2. Hostile environment sexual harassment Male Aggression Against Women Many aspects of culture legitimize male dominance. But not all men endorse the principal of male dominance. Male aggression against women and gender inequality are not separate issues. Gender inequality is the foundation of aggression against women. Gender Inequality Index, Top 10 and Bottom 10 Countries, plus Canada and the United States Bridging the Gender Gap Child Care Percentage of children in regulated child care: United Kingdom – 60 percent France – 69 percent Denmark – 78 percent Canada – less than 21 percent Bridging the Gender Gap Equal Pay for Work of Equal Value Pay Equity Equal pay for equal work of equal value – or the equal dollar value of different jobs. Established in gender-neutral terms by comparing jobs in terms of the education and experience needed to do them, and the stress, responsibility, and working conditions associated with them. The Women’s Movement in Canada Three waves: 1. First wave (from late 19th century to early 1920s) focused on voting rights for women the right to be considered persons under the law 2. Second wave (mid-1960s) lobbied for equal rights with men in education and employment elimination of sexual violence control over reproduction Women’s Movement in Canada 3. Third wave (started mid-1980s): Characterized by anti-racist and postmodernist feminists’ critique of liberal, socialist, and radical feminists: