Chapter 9: Constructing Gender and Sexuality

sex

An individual’s membership in one of two categories—male or female— based on biological factors

primary sex characteristics

Biological factors, such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs, that distinguish males from female

secondary sex characteristics

Physical differences between males and females, including facial and body hair, musculature, and bone structure, that are unrelated to reproduction

intersex

Used to describe a person whose chromosomes or sex characteristics are neither exclusively male nor exclusively female

gender

The physical, behavioral, and personality traits that a group considers normal for its male and female members

essentialists

Those who believe gender roles have a genetic or biological origin and therefore cannot be changed

gender binary

A system of classification with only two distinct and opposite gender categories

constructionists

Those who believe that notions of gender are socially determined, such that a binary system is just one possibility among man

gender identity

An individual’s self-definition or sense of gender

cisgender

Term used when gender identity and/or expression aligns with the sex assigned at birth

transgender

Term used when gender identity and/or expression is different from the sex assigned at birth

gender expression

An individual’s behavioral manifestations of gender

gender nonconforming

Term used when gender identity and/or expression differs from societal expectations about gender roles

nonbinary

Individuals who do not identify as exclusively men or women or who identify as both, somewhere in between, or outside of such categories altogether

sexuality

The character or quality of being sexual

sexual orientation or identity

The inclination to feel sexual desire toward people of a particular gender

heterosexuality

Sexual attraction toward members of the other gender

homosexuality

Sexual attraction toward members of one’s own gender

bisexuality

Sexual attraction toward members of both genders

asexuality

The lack of sexual attraction of any kind

queer theory

Social theory about gender and sexual identity; emphasizes the importance of difference and rejects ideas of innate identities or restrictive categories

LGBTQ

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (sometimes “I” is added for “intersex” and “A” for “asexual”

gender role socialization

The lifelong process of learning to be masculine or feminine, primarily through agents of socialization

heteronormativity

The belief that heterosexuality is and should be the norm

social learning

The process of learning behaviors and meanings through social interaction.

patriarchy

Literally meaning “rule of the father”; a male-dominated society

privilege

Unearned advantage accorded to members of dominant social groups (men, whites, people who are physically able or heterosexual, etc.

sexism

The belief that one sex, usually male, is superior to the other

misogyny

An ingrained prejudice against women; dislike, contempt, or hatred of women.

prejudice

An idea about the characteristics of a group that is applied to all members of that group and is unlikely to change regardless of the evidence against it.

discrimination

Unequal treatment of individuals based on their membership in a social group; usually motivated by prejudice

homophobia

Fear of or discrimination toward gay, lesbian, and bisexual people

transphobia

Fear of or discrimination toward transgender or other gender nonconforming people.

heterosexism

Belief in the superiority of heterosexuality and heterosexual

cisgenderism

Belief in the superiority of cisgender persons and identities

coming out

Openly declaring one’s true identity to those who might not be aware of it; short for “coming out of the closet,” a phrase used to describe how LGBTQ persons have felt compelled to keep their sexual orientation or gender identity secret.

hegemonic masculinity

A masculine ideal that promotes characteristics such as independence, aggression, and toughness, and rejects any alternate qualities in men.

toxic masculinity

A masculine ideal that espouses extreme and harmful attitudes and behaviors and may lead to various negative effects for women and men

rape culture

A set of beliefs, norms, and values that normalizes sexual violence against women

microaggressions

Everyday uses of subtle verbal and nonverbal communications that convey denigrating or dismissive messages to members of certain social groups

instrumental roles

The position of the family member who provides material support, often an authority figure.

expressive role

The position of the family member who provides emotional support and nurturing