Gender and Society: A Human Ecological Approach – Vocabulary Flashcards (Second Edition)

Key vocabulary terms and concise definitions drawn from the lecture content on gender, sexuality, biology, ethics, and related topics.

Sex

The biological dimension of gender and sexuality, typically assigned at birth based on anatomy and chromosomes; includes primary and secondary sexual characteristics.

Gender

The social interpretation of sex; the expected roles, behaviors, and identities assigned to people based on sex.

Sexuality

The totality of one’s experiences of sex and gender, including attraction, orientation, and sexual behavior.

Intersex

Individuals with variations in sex characteristics; historically labeled as hermaphroditism; now often referred to as differences in sex development (DSD).

Differences in Sex Development (DSD)

A inclusive term for variations in sex characteristics (chromosomes, gonads, genitals).

Sex chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine biological sex; XX typically female, XY typically male.

Heteronormativity

The social expectation that heterosexuality is the norm and gender roles are strictly binary.

Gender identity

A person’s internal sense of being male, female, or another gender, which may not align with birth sex.

Transgender

People whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Non-binary

Identities that do not fit exclusively into male or female categories (e.g., genderqueer, gender-diverse, non-conforming).

Sexual orientation

Emotional and sexual attraction to others; terms include heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, etc.

Heterosexual

Attraction to people of the opposite sex.

Homosexual (Gay/Lesbian)

Attraction to people of the same sex.

Bisexual

Attraction to both sexes.

LGBTQIA+

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and beyond.

Intersectionality

The idea that overlapping identities (gender, race, class, sexuality) shape experiences of oppression and privilege.

Human Ecology

A framework (Bronfenbrenner; Bronfenbrenner & Evans) that analyzes development within nested environments and their interrelations.

Bronfenbrenner

Psychologist known for the ecological systems theory explaining how multiple environmental levels influence development.

Patriarchy

A social system where men predominantly hold power in political, legal, and private spheres.

Feminism

Movements advocating for gender equality and women’s rights; waves include first, second, third, and fourth, each with distinct aims.

Divine feminine

The concept of the sacredness of women due to abilities such as conceiving children.

Patrilineal

Inheritance and family name pass through the male line; often accompanying patriarchal structures.

Gender roles

Culturally defined behaviors and expectations associated with being male or female.

Sex roles

Behaviors and attitudes traditionally linked to a specific sex (often used interchangeably with gender roles in older texts).

Menarche

The first menstrual period, marking the onset of female puberty.

Menstrual cycle phases

Phases include Follicular/Proliferative, Ovulation, and Luteal/Secretory, driven by FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone.

Ovulation

Release of a mature egg from the ovary, typically mid-cycle.

Fertilization

Union of the sperm and ovum to form a zygote.

Pregnancy

Development of a fetus within the uterus, typically lasting about 37–42 weeks in humans.

Zygote

The fertilized egg formed after fertilization.

Embryo

Early stage of development from fertilization through about the 8th week of gestation.

Fetus

Developing human from about the 9th week of gestation until birth.

Ovary

Female gonad that produces eggs (ova) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Testis

Male gonad that produces sperm and testosterone.

Clitoris

External female genitals; highly sensitive organ involved in sexual stimulation.

Labia majora

Outer vaginal lips; protect the more sensitive structures of the vulva.

Labia minora

Inner vaginal lips; surround and protect the vaginal and clitoral areas.

Vagina

Flexible canal that receives the penis during intercourse and serves as birth canal.

Uterus

Womb where a fertilized ovum implants and develops into a fetus.

Cervix

Lower, narrow portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina and directs sperm flow; also routes menstrual blood.

Fallopian tubes

Tubes that transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus; common site of fertilization.

Estrogen

Primary female sex hormone; influences secondary sex characteristics and the menstrual cycle.

Progesterone

Hormone important for regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.

Testosterone

Primary male sex hormone; drives male puberty and spermatogenesis.

Menstrual hygiene

Practices for cleanliness and health during menstruation; use of pads, washing, disposal.

Contraception

Methods to prevent pregnancy (e.g., condoms, IUDs, implants, pills, patches, rings, injections, sterilization).

Ethics in gender research

Principles ensuring research safety: informed consent, confidentiality/anonymity, non-maleficence, beneficence, and distributive justice.

SOGIESC

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics; framework for inclusive language and rights.