Gensoc Midterms

It is identification of the biological differences of the human body

What is sex?

• Male

• Female

• Intersex

3 main categories of sex

• chromosomes

• reproductive organs

• gametes

• hormones

Determinants of person’s sex

differentiated social roles, behavior, capacities, intellectual, emotional and social characteristics attributed by a given culture to women and men.

what is gender?

Heterosexual

a person that is attracted to the opposite sex

Homosexual

a person that is attracted to the same sex

Bisexual

a person that is attracted to both sexes

Asexual

a person who does not have any attraction to anyone

Pansexual

a person who is open to having a relationship with anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation

gender identity

Refers to each person’s deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond wit the sex assigned at birth.

gender expression

The way in which a person expresses their gender identity, typically through their appearance, dress, and behavior, language, etc.

gender roles

expectations and behaviors that society attributes to individuals based on their perceived sex or gender.

gender socialization

process through which individuals learn and internalize the gender roles that are considered appropriate in their society.

primary socialization

The process by which children learn gender roles through family members

secondary socialization

Gender norms reinforced by broader societal influences like media, advertising, and peer groups.

family, media, peer groups, education, religion and cultural institutions

key agents of gender socialization

• Socialization helps individuals understand their societal roles and responsibilities, providing structure to social interactions.

• In some cultures, gender socialization can create strong community bonds by reinforcing shared roles and expectations.

positive impacts of gender socialization

• Limited Self-Expression: Rigid gender roles can restrict individual freedom and creativity, as people might feel pressured to conform to societal expectations.

• Stereotyping: Gender socialization can perpetuate harmful stereotypes (e.g., "boys don’t cry," or "girls are bad at math").

• Inequality: Traditional gender roles can contribute to gender inequality by reinforcing power imbalances (e.g., unequal distribution of household labor, gender pay gap).

negative impacts of gender socialization

non-binary

A person who doesn’t exclusively identify as male or female.

Gender-fluid

A person whose gender identity changes over time.

gender inequality

unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender. It manifests in various forms, such as unequal access to resources, opportunities, or rights, and is often rooted in patriarchal structures that prioritize one gender over others, usually men over women.

economic inequality

Differences in income, employment, and career advancement opportunities.

educational inequality

Disparities in access to and quality of education.

political inequality

Underrepresentation in political offices and decision-making bodies.

health inequality

Differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services.

social inequality

Discriminatory practices and societal norms that limit individual freedom based on gender.

• gender pay gap

• gender-based violence

• unequal access to education

• underrepresentation in leadership roles

• cultural norms

forms of inequality

• patriarchy

• religious interpretations

• colonialism

historical and cultural causes of gender inequality

• gender norms and steriotypes

• education and media

societal causes of gender inequality

• capitalism and labor divisions

• lack of social safety net

economic causes of gender inequality

• lack of legal protections

• political underrepresentation

legal and political causes of gender inequality

• poverty

• workforce disparity

economic impact of gender inequality

• social exclusions

• mental health

social impact of gender inequality

• limited access to healthcare

• higher mortality rates

health impact of gender inequality

• undemocratic systems

• lack of gender-sensitive policies

political impact of gender inequality

• gender equality programs

• access to education

education and awareness impact of gender inequality

• equal rights legislation

• violence prevention laws

legal reforms impact of gender inequality

• wage equality

• entrepreneurship support

economic strategies to address gender inequality

• equal representation

• leadership development

political strategies to address gender inequality

• media representation

• family roles

strategies to address gender inequality: challenging gender norms

• self-reflection

• advocacy

role of individuals in battling gender inequality

• support networks

• inclusive practices

role of community in battling gender inequality

gender

More than biology; shaped by societal norms.

Power

The ability to influence or control actions, often unequally distributed.

Intersectionality

Framework to study overlapping identities and how they interact with systems of power.

• Gender roles are shaped by society, not biology e.g., expectations of masculinity and femininity

• Stereotypes often reinforce power imbalances e.g., women expected to be caregivers, men expected to be leaders

Gender as a Social Construct

power dynamics

shape who has access to resources, decision-making roles, and social privileges.

Gender inequality often exists because of power imbalances between men and women and other gender identities.

Gender and Power

Gender roles are influenced by who holds power in society. These roles are shaped by historical power structures that reinforce men's dominance.

Power and Gender Norms

• workplace

• political systems

• domestic settings

Gendered Power Dynamics in Institutions

intersectionality

concept coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how different aspects of a person's identity (e.g., race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, etc.) intersect and interact with one another, shaping their experiences of privilege, oppression, and discrimination.

offering a comprehensive framework to analyze and dismantle systems of oppression. Instead of treating discrimination as isolated issues, it considers the interconnected ways that race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, and other identities affect people's experiences and opportunities.

How intersectionality addresses inequality?

Intersectionality reveals how individuals face layered disadvantages due to their multiple identities. This recognition ensures that solutions address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups.

Recognizing Overlapping Oppressions

Intersectionality informs laws and policies to tackle inequalities in a holistic way.

Shaping Inclusive Policies

By examining the intersections of identity, intersectionality highlights the voices of those often excluded in mainstream discussions.

Amplifying Marginalized Voices

Stereotypes often oversimplify individual identities, ignoring how intersectionality shapes unique experiences.

Breaking Down Stereotypes

Intersectionality identifies the root causes of inequality within structures like patriarchy, white supremacy, ableism, and capitalism.

Transforming Systems of Power

Intersectionality emphasizes equity, which focuses on providing resources based on specific needs, rather than treating everyone the same.

Promoting Equity Over Equality

• identify inequalities

• foster understanding

• encourage inclusivity

What can Gender and Society students do?