Sex and Gender Flashcards
Sex - biological status
Sex is biologically determined by genetic make-up, namely sex chromosomes (XX - females and XY - males).
Chromosomes influence hormonal & anatomical differences that distinguish males and females (e.g. reproductive organs, body shape and hair growth).
Gender - psychosocial status
Gender, described as masculine or feminine, reflects all the attitudes, behaviours and roles we associate with being male or female.
Biological sex is innate & cannot be changed. But gender is ‘assigned’ and partly determined by nurture (fluid), eg being masculine or feminine depends on social context.
Gender Dysphoria
When Sex and Gender don’t correspond.
For most ppl their biological sex and gender identity correspond. However, some people experience gender dysphoria when their bio sex does not reflect the way they feel inside and the gender they identify themselves as being.
Gender reassignment surgery allows ppl to bring their sexual identity in line with their gender identity.
Sex-role Stereotypes —> 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.).
Study of Sex-Role Stereotypes
1) Smith and Lloyd shows mothers treat baby boys/girls differently according to stereotypes.
2) 32 mothers were recorded playing with a baby for 10 mins.
3) Babies’ clothes & names didn’t match their sex.
4) Mothers’ had toys that were either more masc, fem or androgynous.
5) When mothers thought it was a boy —> verbally encouraged more motor activity & gender appropriate toys.
—> Supports the sex-role stereotypes in society.
Sex-role stereotypes - Representation
Some expectations have some basis in reality.
E.g, 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.
E.g, the stereotype that women are too emotional to cope with high-powered jobs.
Sex-role Stereotypes in Media
A study of TV adverts (Furnham and Farragher 2000) found men 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.
