Lesson 1: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality Group 1 • Differentiate among sex, gender, and sexuality. • Explain how gender roles shape individual behavior. Sex Gender It is our goal To Exceed them your creative text insert here It is our goal To Exceed them your creative text insert here Examples: For example, persons of the female sex, in general, regardless of culture, will eventually menstruate and develop breasts that can lactate. Characteristics of gender, on the other hand, may vary greatly between different societies. For example, in American culture, it is considered feminine (or a trait of the female gender) to wear a dress or skirt. However, in many Middle Eastern, Asian, and African cultures, dresses or skirts (often referred to as sarongs, robes, or gowns) can be considered masculine. Similarly, the kilt worn by a Scottish male does not make him appear feminine in his culture. Sexuality Heterosexual and Homosexual Most people are attracted to the opposite sex – boys who like girls, and women who like men, for example. These people are heterosexual, or ‘straight’. Some people are attracted to the same sex. These people are homosexual. Around 10 per cent of young Australians experience same-sex attraction, most during puberty. ‘Lesbian’ is the common term for people who identify as women and are same-sex attracted. ‘Gay’ is the most common term for people who identify as men and are same-sex attracted, although women identifying as lesbian also sometimes use this word. Bisexual Sexuality can be more complicated than being straight or gay. Some people are attracted to both men and women, and are known as bisexual. Bisexual does not mean the attraction is evenly weighted – a person may have stronger feelings for one gender than another. And this can vary depending on who they meet. There are different kinds of bisexuality. Some people who are attracted to men and women still consider themselves to be mainly straight or gay. Or they might have sexual feelings towards both genders but only have intercourse with one. Asexual A person who identifies as asexual (‘ace’ for short) is someone who does not experience, or experiences very little, sexual attraction. Asexuality is not a choice, like abstinence (where someone chooses not to have sex with anyone, whether they are attracted to them or not). Asexuality is a sexual orientation, like homosexuality or heterosexuality. Some people may strongly identify with being asexual, except for a few infrequent experiences of sexual attraction (grey-asexuality). Some people feel sexual attraction only after they develop a strong emotional bond with someone (this is known as demisexuality). Other people experience asexuality in a range of other ways. Gender roles shape individual behavior not only by dictating how people of each gender should behave, but also by giving rise to penalties for people who don’t conform to the norms. While it is somewhat acceptable for women to take on a narrow range of masculine characteristics 80% without repercussions (such as dressing in traditionally male clothing), men are rarely able to take on more feminine characteristics (such as wearing skirts) without the risk of harassment or violence. KEY POINTS • A person’s sex, as determined by their biology, does not always correspond with their gender. Therefore, the terms “sex” and “gender” are not interchangeable. • “Sex” refers to physical or physiological differences between male, female, and intersex bodies, including both primary sex characteristics (the reproductive system) and secondary sex characteristics (such as breasts and facial hair). • “Gender” is a term that refers to social or cultural distinctions associated with a given sex; it is generally considered to be a socially constructed concept. • Gender identity is the extent to which one identifies with their sex assigned at birth. In many Western cultures, individuals who identify with a role that is different from their biological sex are called transgender. • “Human sexuality” refers to people’s sexual interest in and attraction to others, as well as their capacity to have erotic experiences and responses. • Gender roles are based on norms, or standards, created by society. In the U.S., masculine roles are usually associated with strength, aggression, and dominance, while feminine roles are associated with passivity, nurturing, and subordination. • Gender socialization begins at birth and occurs through four major agents of socialization: family, education, peer groups, and mass media. KEY POINTS • Repeated socialization over time leads men and women into a false sense that they are acting naturally, rather than following a socially constructed role. • The attitudes and expectations surrounding gender roles are typically based not on any inherent or natural gender differences, but on stereotypes about the attitudes, traits, or behavior patterns of women or men. • Gender stereotypes form the basis of sexism, or the prejudiced beliefs that value males over females. • Transgender, genderqueer, and other nonconforming-gender people face discrimination, oppression, and violence for not adhering to society’s traditional gender roles. TERMS Transgender- Having a gender that is different from the gender one was assigned at birth. Gender Roles- A social and behavioral norm that is generally considered appropriate for either a man or a woman in a social setting or interpersonal relationship. Norm- A rule that is enforced by members of a community. Socialization- The process of learning one’s culture and how to live within it; the way people adopt ideas about social roles from other members of their society. Thank You!
