Beyond the Binary: Social Construction of Sex & Gender (10/23-10/28)

Sex

A designation placed on infants, based on internal anatomy and chromosomes.

Gender

A socially-constructed binary that society typically corresponds with sex, based on customs, socialization, and norms.

Gender Performativity

A way of reiterating the norms through which one is constituted, as defined by Judith Butler.

Sexuality

Relating to a person’s sexual identity, or their experience of who they are romantically and/or sexually attracted to.

Cisgender

An individual whose identity corresponds to their assigned, biological sex.

Transgender

An individual whose gender identity differs from their assigned, biological sex.

Intersex

An individual born with external genitalia, internal reproductive anatomy, or chromosomal patterns that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

Gender Identity

Self-definition or sense of gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth.

Gender Expression

The external presentation of one's gender, including behaviors, clothing, hairstyles, and voice.

Essentialists

Those who believe gender roles have a genetic or biological origin and therefore cannot be changed.

Gender Binary

A system of classification with only 2 distinct and opposite gender categories.

Constructionists

Those who believe that notions of gender are socially determined and that a binary system is just one possibility among many.

Nature (Biological)

The chromosomal and reproductive differences making males and females physically different.

Nurture (Social)

The idea that gender is constantly changing and shaped by social influences.

Sexual Orientation/Identity

The inclination to feel attraction—emotionally, romantically, or sexually—towards individuals of the same sex, the opposite sex, or both.

Heterosexuality

Sexual attraction towards members of the other gender.

Homosexuality

Sexual attraction towards members of one’s own gender.

Bisexuality

Sexual attraction towards members of both genders.

Asexuality

The lack of sexual attraction of any kind; no interest in or desire for sex.

Queer Theory

Social theory about gender and sexual identity; emphasizes the importance of difference and rejects ideas of innate identities.

LGBTQ

An acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (I - Intersex, A - Asexual).

Gender Socialization

How gender is learned and the traits associated with it.

Heteronormativity

The belief that heterosexuality is and should be the norm.

Social Learning

The process of learning behaviors and meanings through social interaction.

Support the status quo

A principle where cultural norms are maintained and reinforced.

Respectability Politics

The strategy employed by marginalized groups to gain social acceptance by adhering to traditional norms and values.

Indian Carlisle Schools

Schools founded by US army officer Richard Henry Pratt, aimed at assimilating Indigenous children.

Mcdonaldization

The process by which principles of the fast-food industry influence other sectors, including education, focusing on efficiency and predictability.

Offshoring

The practice of relocating business processes and services to another country to reduce costs.

Outsourcing

The practice of contracting out a business process or function to a third-party provider to save costs.

Digital Nomad

Individuals who leverage technology to work remotely while traveling.