Chapter 10: Gender and Sexuality Flashcards
(40 cards)
What challenges do people face when defying traditional gender expectations?
Individuals like a male preschool teacher and a female tech worker may encounter skepticism and lack of support.
How is biological sex defined?
It is the biological concept based on chromosomes and reproductive organs that categorizes individuals as female or male.
What does being intersex mean?
Intersex individuals do not fit neatly into the male/female binary due to atypical chromosomal patterns or reproductive organ development.
What is sexual orientation?
It refers to a person’s physical, emotional, and sexual attraction to a particular sex.
What are the main categories of sexual orientation?
Heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality, and asexuality.
Why is it difficult to quantify sexual orientation in the population?
Categories can be vague and measuring them through surveys can be unreliable.
What percentage of Americans over 18 identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender?
Approximately 5.6%, with higher rates among younger adults.
What is gender as a social construct?
Gender refers to the societal expectations and cultural differences assigned to behaviors and traits based on one’s biological sex.
Define gender roles.
Societal expectations regarding behaviors and attitudes based on whether someone identifies as male or female.
What does gender identity mean?
It refers to an individual’s personal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with their biological sex.
Describe gender expression.
It encompasses the external presentation of one’s gender, including clothing, behavior, and mannerisms.
What is androgynous gender expression?
A blend of both masculine and feminine traits in one’s gender presentation.
Explain the gender binary.
The classification of gender into two distinct, opposite forms: male and female.
What is cisgender?
A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Define transgender.
Individuals whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.
What are biological explanations for gender roles?
Theories suggesting that gender differences stem from biological factors, like early human survival roles or hormone levels.
What cultural explanations challenge biological views of gender?
Studies showing significant variation in gender roles across cultures, emphasizing that gender roles are socially constructed.
How does socialization influence gender?
Family, peers, schools, mass media, and religion all play roles in reinforcing traditional gender norms and expectations.
What is male privilege?
The unearned advantages that men receive in a patriarchal society, such as reduced fear of sexual assault and greater workplace opportunities.
What is toxic masculinity?
Cultural norms associated with traditional masculinity that can have harmful effects on men and society, like increased violence and emotional suppression.
What is gender inequality?
Inequality based on gender that prioritizes the male experience, resulting from cultural values and gender socialization.
What is heterosexism?
Inequality arising from heterosexuality being viewed as the only normal or preferred sexual orientation.
How are girls treated in education compared to boys?
Girls are often undervalued and underestimated, especially in subjects like math, where teachers may perceive boys as more capable despite similar scores.
What issue do women face in higher education regarding majors?
Women often choose majors based on perceived fit rather than ability, and those in male-dominated fields face scrutiny.
