Chapter 9: Female and male dynamics in society

Sex

biological characteristics with which we are born

Gender

learned attitudes and behaviors that characterize women and men.

How sex and gender differ

Gender is based on social and cultural expectations rather than on physical traits.

Two approaches in male and female dynamics

Gender essientalism and gender expectations

Essientalism

focuses on gender being fixed and innate.

Essentialism(theories 2)

Sociobiology-based on inherited behaviors in the real world.

Evolutionary psychology-how we adjusted to our environment. Biological predispositions and environment. 

Gender expectations (2)

1. Societies have expectations for how males and females are socialized

2. They change over time

Expressive roles

Predominantly social roles focused on nurturing to support family and other social ties. This role has historically been seen as a female role

Instrumental role

predominantly economic roles focused on earnings; financial means support family and other social ties. This role has historically been seen as a male role.