Gender and Identity

Sex: the physical state of being either male, female or intersex

Gender: includes the social, psychological, cultural, and behavioural aspects of being a man, woman or another gender identity

—> Assigned roles by society, that are ever evolving and different everywhere.

Gender identity: is about how a person feels as a man, a woman or neither —> transgender, non-binary or gender-nonconforming.

Gender stereotypes have developed alongside the expectations of how men/women should behave in society, historically more negative toward feminine behaviour, gender stereotypes helped justify/uphold historical dominance of men over women.

-          Fully formed at 7 years old, way to categorize/understand the world.

-          Care givers teach them unconsciously (toys, media) we tend to stick to them when growing up

-          Parents have an influence on child’s career: less girls go into STEM.

-          Cause of toxic masculinity and femininity, as well as gender-based violence

-          Teachers reward girls/boys differently in classroom, different expectations, segregation.

-          Parents should encourage child to take part in a range of activities.

“Gender-based violence is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies” (European Institute for Gender Equality)

E.g.:

  • Assaults on homosexuals

  • Majority of victims: women, India (frequent reports of gang rapes, massive domestic violences, abortion of female foetuses), US (#MeToo)

Gender Pay Gap describes the unequal wage men and women earn monthly. Since many years women get paid less for the same work as men. —> demonstration against it

Makes it harder for women to achieve a successful career and get credit for their performances.

Full-time Working: Women earn around 18% less than men even if same job/education.

Part-time Working: Women earn around 23% less than men. Women expected to take care of children, unpaid care work, care giver.

Even worse for POC

Equal Pay Day, March 7th: the day on which women have earned as much as men in the year before. On average women work 10 weeks a year “for free”

Change: speak to national representatives, get in touch with other women, attend demonstrations, vote!

Toxic Masculinity refers to cultural norms that associate masculinity with aggression, emotional repression, and dominance à men to suppress emotions, avoid seeking help, and engage in harmful behaviours àThis can result in mental health issues, relationship problems, and perpetuation of violence.

Toxic femininity involves cultural norms that pressure women to be overly submissive, passive, and dependent on men, often valuing appearance, and compliance over personal agency. This can lead to low self-esteem, limited opportunities, and perpetuation of gender inequality.

Privilege backpack (being queer), a special advantage for a group of people, stands in contrast to a basic right that holds true to everyone, problems that queer people experience:

  • Indirect passive discrimination e.g. in language

  • Low representation in public

  • Limited support due to discrimination/fear/lack of funding

  • Disadvantages in well-paid jobs, education

  • Having to “come out” because hetero is “normal”.

  • Limited access, risk while visiting some countries.

  • PDA makes others uncomfortable, harassed on street

Consequences first names have in Germany (Fatma Aydemir)

Discrimination against people who:

  • Have names that allude to migration background.

  • Have names that are English (names from East Germany)

  1. Discrimination in the area of eBay, school, housing market, bank loans, restaurant, reservations, job market

  2. Feel unsafe

Prejudice/stereotypes:

  • Studies show: typical German names appear more trustworthy and more intelligent

  • People are categorized into certain social classes:

    —> Lower social class for people with non-German names