gender and sociology pt.1

men/woman

the biological characteristics that define humans as male or female, including physical anatomy and genetic differences (simplified binary structure)

othering

the process of perceiving or portraying a group as fundamentally different from oneself, often leading to social exclusion or marginalization.

ordering

the social categorization that organizes individuals and groups based on perceived hierarchies, often influencing power dynamics and social relations.

bordering

the social and cultural processes that establish distinctions between groups, often defining boundaries of inclusion and exclusion.

classic gender sociology

as society evolved, distinct body and mind differences emerged between men and women, strengthening efficiency in labour division

functionalism in gender studies

a theoretical perspective that views gender roles as essential for the stability and functioning of society, emphasizing how specific gender roles contribute to social order.

androcentrism

the practice of placing male experience and perspectives at the center of analysis, often marginalizing women's experiences and contributions.

first wave of feminism

a social movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries focused primarily on women's suffrage and legal rights. It aimed to address issues such as voting rights, education, and property rights for women.

second wave of feminism

a social movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on a broader range of issues including reproductive rights, workplace equality, and gender roles. It aimed to challenge systemic inequalities and promote women's rights in various spheres.

third wave of feminism

a feminist movement that began in the 1990s, emphasizing individualism, diversity, and intersectionality. It seeks to address the complexities of gender and advocate for women of all backgrounds.

biological determinism in gender studies

the theory that biological differences between men and women determine their roles, behaviors, and capabilities in society. This perspective has been critiqued for oversimplifying the relationship between gender and biology.

constructivism in gender studies

the theory that gender is a socially constructed concept influenced by cultural, historical, and social contexts, rather than being purely determined by biology.

individualist gender studies approaches

focus on personal experiences and self-definition in understanding gender identities and roles, challenging traditional norms and emphasizing agency.

contextual gender studies approaches

emphasize the importance of understanding gender through the specific cultural and social contexts individuals inhabit, analyzing how these factors shape gender identities and experiences.

symbolic interactionism (oakley)

a sociological approach that focuses on the ways individuals create and interpret meanings around gender through social interactions, influencing personal identities and societal norms.

doing gender (west and zimmerman)

the idea that gender is not a fixed trait, but rather an ongoing performance shaped by social interactions and contexts, highlighting how individuals enact gender roles in everyday life.

gender trouble (butler)

the concept that challenges the traditional categories of gender, suggesting that gender is fluid and constructed through repeated performances rather than tied to biological essentialism.

queer theory

an analytical framework that explores the social construction of gender and sexuality, questioning normative definitions and binaries, and focusing on the fluidity of identities.

epistemology of the closet

a theoretical framework introduced by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick that examines how societal structures enforce norms around sexuality, particularly focusing on the tensions between heteronormativity and queer identities.

sexual scripts theory

a concept that outlines the cultural guidelines and expectations regarding sexual behavior and identity, emphasizing how these scripts influence individual experiences and social interactions.

sexual behaviour

biological and physical aspects of sexual activity, not inherently social.

sexual conduct

socially regulated aspects of sexual behavior that includes norms, expectations, and moral considerations.

gender as social ritual

the performance of gender roles that are shaped by cultural norms and expectations, highlighting how individuals enact and interpret their gender identity in social contexts.

masculinity and femininity as cultural ideals

socially constructed ideals of behavior and attributes traditionally associated with male and female roles, influencing expectations and identities.