Sex and Gender

what is “sex” ?

• sex refers to the biological makeup of the individual and dictates whether they are male or female

• sex is innate

What is “gender” ?

• their social and psychological characteristics that relate to males and females

• gender is learnt and a result of nurture

what is the sex-role belief ?

• the qualities and characteristics expected of members of each sex

what is some research into sex-role stereotypes ?

• Smith and Lloyd

• mothers do treat M and F babies differently in line w stereotypes

• mothers recorded playing for 10 mins w 6 month old child

• children dressed as boy or girl

• clothes and names were not always consistent with the actual sex of the child

• mother thought she was playing w boy, encouraged more motor activity and gender appropriate toys

• shows that parents do not treat babies differently, in line with sex role

What is the evaluation of sex-role stereotypes ?

• research lacks temporal validity because stereotypes change over time

• sex/role stereotypes can differ cross-culturally which shows that behaviours seen as male/female appropriate vary amongst culture. Suggesting that environment has an important role

• categorising behaviours, occupations and individual qualities of male and female may impact society in a negative way. It can affect perception of social roles, careers, prejudice and sexism