Sociology Exam 3 Bocab - Gender

Sex

biological characteristics such as chromosomes and anatomy

Gender

social and cultural expectations associated w being male/female/another gender

Sex v. Gender

sex is biological; gender is socially created

Gender Binary

the idea that there are only two genders; male and female

Critique of the Gender Binary

gender is more complex than just two categories

Social Construction of Gender

society creates ideas about how genders should act

Gender Role

behaviors and expectations associated with a gender

Gender Identity

a person’s internal sense of their gender

Gender Socialization

learning gender roles through family, school, media, and peers

Sexism

discrimination or prejudice based on sex or gender

Gender Stratification

unequal distribution of wealth, power, and opportunities based on gender

Patriarchy

system where men hold most power and authority

Glass Ceiling

invisible barriers that prevent women from reaching top positions

Feminism

belief that all genders should have equal rights and opportunities

Functionalist Theory of Gender

different gender roles help society function

Conflict Theory of Gender

Gender inequality benefits those w power/men

Symbolic Interactionist Theory of Gender

gender is created and reinforced through everyday interactions

Gender Stereotype

oversimplified belief about how a gender should behave

Gender Norm

social rule about acceptable gender behavior