Gender and Society (GE111)

• Gender

  A social construct
• Key theories and concepts within Gender Studies

  • Feminist theory
  • Queer theory
  • Intersectionality
• Gender refers to the roles, behaviors, activities, and expectations that a society considers appropriate for men and women.
• Gender is a complex interplay of biology, identity, and societal norms.
• While sex is typically assigned at birth based on physical characteristics, gender is a more fluid and multifaceted concept that can encompass a range of identities beyond the traditional binary of male and female.
• It's important to recognize that gender is a deeply personal and individual experience for each person.
• Sex typically refers to the biological characteristics that define male and female bodies, such as reproductive organs and chromosomes.
• Gender, on the other hand, encompasses the roles, behaviors, activities, and expectations that a society considers appropriate for men and women
• It's important to recognize that sex and gender are distinct but interconnected aspects of human identity.
• Physiological sex refers to the biological characteristics that define male and female bodies, such as reproductive organs and chromosomes. Social gender, on the other hand, encompasses the roles, behaviors, activities, and expectations that a society considers appropriate for individuals based on their perceived sex.
• This includes gender identity, gender expression, and societal norms related to masculinity and femininity. While physiological sex is determined by biology, social gender is influenced by cultural, social, and environmental factors.
• Gender: Masculinity and Femininity
• Gender identity is a deeply held sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither. It is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves.
• Gender identity is an intrinsic aspect of a person's identity and may or may not correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Gender Identity


  Identity as reflexive self-relation
• Gender Identity


  Physical embodiment, people's relative location within their social environment and how they are judged by others
• Gender Identity


  Ultimately how people view themselves with respect to gender
• Gender Identity


  Combined influence of internal feelings and societal pressures
• Masculinity refers to the set of attributes, behaviors, and roles that society typically associates with or expects of men or those perceived as masculine
• Masculinity - characteristics can include strength, assertiveness, independence, competitiveness, and emotional stoicism, among others
• Hegemonic Masculinity


  A concept introduced by sociologist R.W. Connell, refers to the dominant and idealized form of masculinity within a given culture or society
• Hegemonic Masculinity


  It represents the norms and values associated with masculinity that are often upheld and reinforced by those in positions of power and influence.
• Hegemonic masculinity is characterized by traits such as dominance, aggression, control, and heterosexuality, and it often marginalizes or devalues traits that are perceived as feminine or non-conforming to traditional gender norms.
• Additionally, the concept of hegemonic masculinity can contribute to gender inequality and the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and expectations for men and women alike.
• Femininity refers to the set of attributes, behaviors, and roles that society typically associates with or expects of women or those perceived as feminine.
• Femininity - These characteristics can include nurturing, empathy, sensitivity, cooperation, and a focus on appearance, among others
• Femininity often encompasses traits and roles that are traditionally associated with women, such as caregiving, domestic work, and emotional expression
• Emphasized femininity as a prioritized form of femininity, characterized by its domination by masculinity which is a crucial component in men's supremacy over women in the gender order
• Gender stereotypes are widely held beliefs or assumptions about the characteristics, roles, and behaviors deemed appropriate for individuals based on their gender
• Gender stereotypes often oversimplify and generalize complex human experiences, reinforcing traditional gender norms and expectations.
• Gender Stereotypes

  1. Roles and Responsibilities
  2. Personality Traits
  3. Appearance and Presentation
  4. Interests and Hobbies
  5. Intellectual Abilities
• Roles and Responsibilities: Stereotypes dictating that men should be breadwinners and have careers, while women should prioritize homemaking and childcare.
• Personality Traits: Beliefs that men should be assertive, dominant, and stoic, while women should be nurturing, emotional, and passive.
• Appearance and Presentation: Expectations that women should prioritize their physical appearance and adhere to traditional beauty standards, while men should be rugged and avoid displays of femininity.
• Interests and Hobbies: Stereotypes suggesting that certain activities or interests are more suitable for one gender over another, such as associating sports with masculinity and caregiving with femininity.
• Intellectual Abilities: Assumptions that men are naturally more skilled in areas such as math and science, while women are better suited for language and humanities subjects.
• Gender stereotypes can have harmful effects on individuals and society by limiting opportunities, perpetuating inequality, and reinforcing rigid gender roles.
• Gender stereotypes can also contribute to discrimination, bias, and prejudice against those who do not conform to societal expectations based on their gender.
• Gender stereotypes are one-sided and exaggerated images of men and women which are deployed repeatedly in everyday lives
• Gender discrimination refers to unfair treatment or unequal opportunities based on an individual's gender or gender identity