Chapter 7: Sex and Gender Flashcards
Sex
The biological and anatomical differences between females and males.
Gender
The culturally and socially constructed differences between females and males.
Sex vs Gender
Sex determines gender but gender does not determine sex.
Gender Role
The role or behaviour considered to be appropriate to a particular gender defined by cultural norms.
Gender Identity
A person’s sense of their gender, even if it contradicts their sex from birth.
The social Significance of Gender:
Gender is very important in everyday life: education, occupation, media, etc..
Sexism
The belief that one sex is innately superior to the other.
The subordination of one sex usually female, based on the assumed superiority of the other sex.
-Negative behaviors
-Prejudice and stereotypes
Patriarchy
A hierarchical system of social organization in which cultural, political, and economic structures are controlled by men.
Matriarchy
A form of social organization in which females dominate males.
Hunting and Gathering
Little social stratification during this period.
Horticulture and Pastoral
Horticulture: People were able to grow their own food.
Pastoral: The domestication of large animals to provide food.
Agrarian Societies
Gender inequality and male dominance became institutionalized.
Men are involved in food production and women are caregivers and child bearers.
Industrial Societies
Inequality became worse during industrial societies.
Effect: the economic and political subordination of women.
Postindustrial Societies
Technology supports a service and info based economy. Inequality became lessened.
Effects on the family during Postindustrial Societies:
-Two earners in the family is norm.
-Higher strain on women to work, care for children, partner, and aging parents.
-Single parent families lead to poverty and stress.
