Chapter 10: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality

Sex

refers to the biological and anatomical differences between males and females

primary sex characteristics

include the genitalia used in the reproductive process

secondary sex characteristics

include the physical traits that identify an individual’s sex

intersex person

an individual who is born with sexual anatomy that does not correspond to typical definitions of male or female; the person’s sexual differentiation if ambiguous

Hermaphrodite — extreme case; very rare

gender

the culturally and socially constructed differences between females and males found in the meanings associated with “femininity” and “masculinity”

gender role

the attitudes, behavior, and activities that are socially defined as appropriate for each sex and are learned through the socialization process

gender identity

a person’s perception of themselves as female or male

women’s gender roles

• develop self-image by identifying with females and males in their families and neighborhoods and in the media

• studies of children’s books published in the US found females significantly underrepresented

• also true of G-rated movies

• Traditional gender roles have restricted females more than males

men’s gender roles

• attitudes toward parenting changing, but mothers still spend more time raising children than fathers

• males who do not conform to socially constructed gender role criticism

• Men also suffer from stereotypical gender roles

• More likely to experience heart attack, hardening of arteries, alcoholism, violent crimes (both victim and perpetrator)

transgender person

an individual whose gender identity does not match the person’s assigned sex

cross-dresser

a male who dresses as a woman or a female who dresses as a man, but who does not alter his/her genitalia

sexualization

the act or processes whereby an individual or group is seen as sexual in nature or person’s become aware of their sexuality

sexual orientation

refers to an individual’s preference for emotion-sexual relationships with members of the different sex, the same sex, or both sexes

homophobia

the extreme prejudice and discriminatory actions directed at gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and others who are perceived as not being heterosexual

gay marriage

2004- 60% opposed, 31% favored

2019- 62% favored- 30% opposed

body consciousness

how a person perceives and feels about his or her body

women: “ideal” image is thinner

men: steroid abuse

sexism

the subordination of one sex, based on the assumed superiority of the other sex

• negative attitudes - stereotypical beliefs

• discrimination

• pornography - US $13 Billion Global - $100 promotes rape myth

• affects brain functions

conflict perspective of gender stratification

• gendered division of labor results from male control of and dominance over women and resources

• major religions promote patriarchy

islam

inheritance laws, women have no ID

Hinduism

wives become property of husband’s family

judaism (orthodox)

women sit in balcony, do not speak at services

christianity

trinity, eve, St. Paul’s instructions to churches

feminism

the belief that women and men are equal and should be valued equally and have equal rights

1st wave of feminism

centered on voting rights: 19th amendment ratified in 1960s and 1970s

2nd wave of feminism

emerged in 1960s and 1970s ERA passed Congress in 1972, never ratified

compensation inequality

women earn 80 cents for each 1$ men earn