Gender is a analytical category that is socially constructed to differentiate the biological difference between men and women. The term gender is also used to describe the differences in behaviour between men and women which are described as „masculine‟ and „feminine‟. Feminist writings focus on this aspect and claim that these differences are not biological but are social constructions of patriarchal society.

1. Gender and Sex
CHANDAN BHAKTA

2. GENDER
In simple terms, gender is a analytical category
that is socially constructed to differentiate the
biological difference between men and women.
The term gender is also used to describe the
differences in behaviour between men and
women which are described as „masculine‟ and
„feminine‟. Feminist writings focus on this
aspect and claim that these differences are not
biological but are social constructions of
patriarchal society.

3. • Gender is very much related to sex and many
people are often confused about the
distinction between sex and gender

4. SEX
• Sex In a very broad way, „sex‟ refers to the biological and
physiological differences between male and female sex. The term
sex is a physical differentiation between the biological male and the
biological female. Thus, when an infant is born, the infant comes to
be labeled “boy” or “girl” depending on their sex. The genital
differences between male and female is the basis of such
characterization. There is a biological difference between the sexes
and most people are born as one sex or another. However, it has
been argued that having been born into one sex or another,
individuals are then socialized according to specific gender
expectations and roles. Biological males learn to take on masculine
roles. They are socialized to think and act in masculine ways.
Biological females learn to take on feminine roles

7. Gender Vs. Sex
Identifies biological differences between men
and women. E.g. Women can give birth and men
provide sperm. Sex is universal (every nation,
throughout history) Gender identifies social
relations between men and women. Gender is
socially constructed. But gender roles are
dynamic and change over time.

10. Gender and Sex
Sex
• Biological
• Throughout history/ culture
• Not changeable
Gender
• Socially constructed roles & Responsibilities
• Different in different societies and time periods
• Changeable

11. Transgender
An adjective that is a umbrella term used to
describe the full range of people whose gender
identity and/or gender role do not conform to what
is typically associated with their sex assigned at
birth. The Union Cabinet approved the Transgender
Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 in
Parliament. This Bill is expected to bring social,
educational and economic empowerment to the
transgender community. To a community that has
been ostracised and discriminated against for so
long, this Bill could mean a chance to live a life of
dignity and equality

12. • Gender identity refers to “one’s sense of oneself as
male, female, or transgender” (American Psychological
Association, 2006). When one’s gender identity and
biological sex are not congruent, the individual may
identify as transsexual or as another transgender
category.
• Sexual orientation refers to the sex of those to whom
one is sexually and romantically attracted. Categories
of sexual orientation typically have included attraction
to members of one’s own sex (gay men or lesbians),
attraction to members of the other sex (heterosexuals),
and attraction to members of both sexes (bisexuals).

13. MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY
The sex / gender differences raises the issues of male –
female; masculine and feminine, male associated with
masculinity and female with femininity. With each
constructions the biological differences between men and
women get translated into social terms and descriptions.
• Patters of differences by gender is seen when the character
is either masculine or feminine.
• For example, to be „strong‟ and „tough‟ is masculine. Being
„weak‟ and „soft‟ are associated with feminine character.
There are several other traits that are categorized as
masculine and feminine.
• We socially enter into our gendered categories of masculine
and feminine right from birth.

14. PATRIARCHY
• Patriarchy is a often used term in everyday conversation. In casual
conversation, whether in English or any other language the term
implies “male domination”, “male prejudice (against women)”.
• Simply, the term means “the absolute rule of the father or the
eldest male member over his family”. Patriarchy is thus the rule of
the father over all women in the family and also over younger
socially and economically subordinate males.
• Literally, patriarchy means rule by the male head of a social unit
(like family, tribe).The patriarch is typically a societal elder who has
legitimate power over others in the social unit.
• Patriarchy has been viewed as more than just the subordination of
women. It has been pointed out that not all men are powerful in a
patriarchal system. For example younger men in the family have
less authority and power than older men.

15. Thank You