Understanding Sex, Gender, and Sexuality in Society

Sex

Biological classification as male or female.

Primary Sex Characteristics

Biological differences like chromosomes and organs.

Secondary Sex Characteristics

Physical traits like body hair and muscle.

Gender

Societal norms for male and female traits.

Cisgender

Gender identity matches sex assigned at birth.

Gender Nonconforming

Identity differs from societal gender expectations.

Gender Identity

Self-definition of being male, female, or other.

Gender Expression

Behavioral manifestation of gender through appearance.

Essentialists

View gender as a biological binary system.

Constructionist Approach

Sees sex and gender as social constructs.

Queer Theorists

Reject fixed categories of gender and sexuality.

Berdaches

Native American males adopting feminine roles.

Hijras

South Asian males living as women, often religious.

Bacha Posh

Afghan girls raised as boys in families without sons.

Functionalism

Belief in gender-specific social roles for stability.

Social Roles

Tasks deemed appropriate for each gender.

Caretakers

Roles often assigned to women in society.

Homemakers

Normative role for women as primary caregivers.

Chromosomes

XX for females, XY for males, variations exist.

Gender Reveal Party

Incorrectly termed; should be sex reveal party.

Masculine Traits

Characteristics culturally associated with male identity.

Feminine Traits

Characteristics culturally associated with female identity.

Cultural Variability

Gender norms change across cultures and history.

Conflict Theory

Men historically access most societal resources and privileges.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in 1919.

Interactionism

Gender is socially constructed through daily interactions.

Gender Role Socialization

Lifelong learning of masculine or feminine behaviors.

Agents of Socialization

Families, schools, peers, and media shape gender roles.

Heteronormativity

Belief that heterosexuality is the societal norm.

Social Learning Theory

Children learn behaviors through social interactions.

Early Socialization

Families primarily influence initial gender role development.

Gender-Specific Clothing

Clothes chosen based on a child's assigned sex.

School Socialization

Schools reinforce gender roles through differential treatment.

STEM Fields

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics; often male-dominated.

Peer Groups

Teens conform to gender norms for social acceptance.

Masculine Norms

Behaviors traditionally associated with being male.

Feminine Norms

Behaviors traditionally associated with being female.

Gender Expectations

Societal beliefs about appropriate behaviors for genders.

Social Stigma

Negative perception of non-conformity to gender norms.

Gendered Toys

Toys designed to promote specific gender behaviors.

Cultural Perceptions

Societal views on masculinity and femininity evolve.

Behavioral Reinforcement

Rewards for conforming to gender norms, punishments for deviating.

Gender Norms

Standards dictating acceptable behavior for each gender.

Impact on Career Choices

Gender roles influence educational and professional paths.

Criticism of Dress

Differential scrutiny based on gender norms.

Sex-Role Behavior

Stereotypical portrayal in various media forms.

Gender Norms

Expectations dictating appropriate behavior for genders.

Sexual Orientation

Attraction to same sex, opposite sex, or both.

Asexuality

Rejection of any sexual identity or attraction.

Pansexuality

Attraction regardless of biological sex or gender.

Kinsey Scale

Continuum representing sexual orientation diversity.

Homophobia

Fear or discrimination against homosexual individuals.

Misogyny

Prejudice or contempt against women.

Feminization of Poverty

Trend of women more likely to live in poverty.

Gender Inequality

Disparities in rights and opportunities based on gender.

Sexism

Discrimination based on a person's sex.

Body Image

Perception of physical appearance, varies by gender.

Disproportionate Housework

Women perform more household tasks than men.

Earnings Gap

Women earn less than men for similar work.

Single Mothers

Higher proportion compared to single fathers.

Childcare Costs

Increasing expenses affecting women's economic status.

Military Service Policy

Restrictions on openly gay individuals serving.

Media Representation

Different portrayals of male and female athletes.

Sexualization in Sports

Women athletes are often sexualized in media.

Blood Donation Policy

Discriminatory questions for male donors only.

Gendered Expectations

Societal norms dictating behavior based on gender.

Critique of Female Athletes

More scrutiny on women's physiques than men's.