Gender as a social construct exam review

What is gender?

Gender refers to the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female.

True or False: Gender is solely determined by biological factors.

False. Gender is influenced by social constructs, cultural norms, and individual experiences.

Define gender roles.

Gender roles are societal expectations regarding how individuals should behave based on their perceived gender.

Question: How are gender and sex different?

Sex is biological; gender is a social construct encompassing identity, roles, and expectations.

Fill in the blank: Gender is a __________ construct.

social

What is the social construction of gender?

It is the process by which society creates and reinforces definitions of masculinity and femininity.

Cause → Effect: Gender socialization leads to...

...individuals adopting behaviors consistent with societal gender expectations, often from a young age.

Comparison: Gender vs. Biological Sex.

Gender: Social roles; Biological Sex: Physical attributes like chromosomes and reproductive organs.

What are gender norms?

Gender norms are the unwritten rules that dictate how individuals of different genders should behave.

True or False: Gender identity is fixed and unchangeable.

False. Gender identity can be fluid and may change over time.

Define cisgender.

Cisgender refers to individuals whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth.

What is a gender binary?

The gender binary is a classification system that recognizes only two genders: male and female.

Question: What is gender fluidity?

Gender fluidity is the ability to move between different gender identities over time.

Fill in the blank: The concept of __________ challenges traditional gender roles.

queerness

What is performativity in relation to gender?

Performativity suggests that gender is constructed through repeated actions and behaviors rather than being innate.

Cause → Effect: Exposure to diverse gender representations leads to...

...greater acceptance of non-binary and fluid gender identities in society.

What is socialization?

The process by which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society.

True or False: Gender roles are innate.

False. Gender roles are socially constructed and learned through socialization.

How do families contribute to gender role socialization?

Families often model and reinforce gender-specific behaviors and expectations, such as encouraging boys to be assertive and girls to be nurturing.

Fill in the blank: ___________ is a key agent of socialization for gender roles.

Media

Question: How does peer influence shape gender roles?

Peers reinforce gender norms through acceptance or rejection of behaviors, promoting conformity.

What is gender role reinforcement?

The practice of rewarding behaviors that align with traditional gender roles, such as praising boys for being tough.

Cause → Effect: Boys receive toy trucks; girls receive dolls.

Cause: Toy selection reinforces gender roles. Effect: Children learn societal expectations for gendered behavior.

Comparison: Primary vs Secondary socialization.

Primary: Family and early childhood; Secondary: Schools, media, and peers later in life.

What are gender stereotypes?

Overgeneralized beliefs about traits and behaviors associated with males or females.

True or False: Schools have no impact on gender role development.

False. Schools play a significant role in reinforcing and challenging gender norms.

How does media influence gender roles?

Media portrays idealized gender roles, influencing public perception and personal identity regarding masculinity and femininity.

What is the 'gender bread person'?

A visual tool illustrating the complexity of gender identity, expression, biological sex, and attraction.

Fill in the blank: ___________ expectations can limit individual expression.

Societal

Example: Gender role reversal in modern media.

Shows where traditional gender roles are subverted, e.g., female superheroes taking on leadership roles.

How can education challenge traditional gender roles?

By promoting inclusivity, critical discussions, and diverse role models that defy stereotypes.

What is gender fluidity?

The concept that gender can change and is not fixed, challenging traditional binary notions.

Intersectionality: What does it mean?

Intersectionality refers to how various social categories, like race, class, and gender, overlap and interact, creating unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.

Example of intersectionality?

A Black woman may face both racism and sexism, which compound her experiences in society.

True or False: Gender and race are separate categories.

False. Gender and race intersect, influencing individual experiences and societal treatment.

What does class add to gender analysis?

Class affects access to resources and opportunities, impacting how gender roles are experienced and expressed across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Fill in the blank: Intersectionality was coined by _____

Kimberlé Crenshaw.

How does sexuality intersect with gender?

Sexuality can influence gender identity and expression, affecting how individuals navigate social spaces.

Intersectionality vs. Additive Model?

Intersectionality views experiences as interconnected; the additive model sees identities as separate and cumulative.

Impact of intersectionality in policy?

Policies that recognize intersectionality can address multiple forms of discrimination, leading to more equitable outcomes.

What is the 'matrix of domination'?

A framework describing how different forms of oppression are interconnected and how they affect various groups differently.

Example of privilege in intersectionality?

A white, affluent cisgender male may experience systemic advantages that a transgender woman of color does not.

True or False: Intersectionality only applies to marginalized groups.

False. It applies to everyone, as we all exist at the intersection of multiple identities.

How does intersectionality affect activism?

Activism informed by intersectionality considers diverse identities, ensuring all voices are heard and represented.

Question: Why is intersectionality important in sociology?

It helps analyze the complexity of social inequalities and understand diverse lived experiences.

Example of policy addressing intersectionality?

The Violence Against Women Act includes provisions for marginalized women facing multiple forms of violence.

What role does identity play in intersectionality?

Identity shapes individuals' experiences and how they encounter systemic structures of power and oppression.

Cause: Intersectional identities lead to _________

Diverse experiences of oppression and privilege.