sex and gender

• ao1: sex is a biological status (innate)

  • Someone's sex is biologically determined by their genetic make-up, namely their sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males).
  • Chromosomes influence hormonal and anatomical differences that distinguish males and females (e.g. reproductive organs, body shape and hair growth).
• ao1: gender is a psychosocial status(nature)

  • Gender, described as masculine or feminine, reflects all the attitudes, behaviours and roles we associate with being male or female.
  • Biological sex is innate and cannot be changed. But gender is 'assigned' and partly determined by nurture (fluid), e.g. being masculine or feminine depends on social context.
• ao1: gender dysmorphia is where sex and gender dont correspond

  • For most people their biological sex and gender identity correspond.
  • However, some people experience gender dysphoria (explained further on page 108) when their biological sex does not reflect the way they feel inside and the gender they identify themselves as being.
  • Gender reassignment surgery allows people to bring their sexual identity in line with their gender identity
• ao1: sex-role stereotypes are social expectations

  • Sex-role stereotypes are shared by a culture or social group and consist of expectations regarding how males and females should behave.
  • These expectations are transmitted through a society and reinforced by members of it (e.g. parents, peers, etc.).
• ao1: sex-role stereotypes may or may not represent something real

  • Some expectations have some basis in reality.
  • For example, it might be the male in a heterosexual couple who is responsible for DIY whilst the female sends the birthday cards from both of them.
  • However, there is no biological reason for this to be the case.
  • Many sex-role stereotypes are incorrect assumptions and can lead to sexist and damaging attitudes.
  • For example, the stereotype that women are too emotional to cope with high-powered jobs.
• ao1: research confirms sex role stereotypes in the media

  • A study of TV adverts (Furnham and Farragher 2000) found men were more likely to be shown in autonomous roles in professional contexts, whereas women were seen occupying familial roles in domestic settings.
  • This along with other studies demonstrates both the existence of sex-role stereotypes and the role the media has in reinforcing them.