Based on OpenStax Introduction to Sociology 2e For Open Educational Resource Project CSCC College Credit Plus

1. Gender, Sex, and
Sexuality
Chapter 12
Based on OpenStax
Introduction to Sociology 2e

2.  Sex – biological
 Gender – social identity
 Gender roles – the culturally defined behaviors
associated with gender
 Sexual orientation – attraction
 The Nature vs Nuture debate continues into sex and
gender.
Sex and Gender
Definitions

3.  How do we know?
 Margaret Mead’s studies in New Guinea
 Pinks and Blues study in infancy
 Gender socialization practices and expectations vary
around the world and over time
Sex and Gender
Sociologist argue that a large component of gender is
learned.

4.  Some have more than two sexes. – Navajo Nadle
 Some have more than two genders
– Chuckee from Siberia – 6 genders,
– Zuni – three genders,
– Hijira in India etc.
Gender and Culture

5.  Gender roles also vary widely the Human Area
relations files notes that women are often the expected
home builders, fuel gatherers, and carriers of heavy
objects, whereas men are often the garment makers
and cleaners.
 Many cultures have different concepts of sex and
gender than that of the West
Gender and Culture

6.  Toys
 Games
 Education
 Family Roles
 Dress
Gender Socialization
How do we socialize girls and boys differently in our
society?

7. Gender roles are functional for societies, however they
vary according to patterns of subsistence. Gender roles
may be related to a culture’s interpretations of biological
differences.
Why do Gender Roles
Exist?
Functionalism

8. Gender roles are exploitative of one gender over the other
– usually women – This reflects larger economic
differences in power in a society.
Why Do Gender Roles
Exist?
Conflict Theory

9. Gender roles are learned and internalized and gender role
socialization begins the day we are born.
Why do Gender Roles
Exist?
Symbolic Interaction

10.  Hunting and Gathering: Men and women usually are equal in decision making and groups
are small
 Pastorialism: Often males have power over ownership of animals which is wealth in society
and women are valued for their ability to produce children
 Horticulture: Gender roles depend on the culture but since horticulture is very labor
intensive both men and women spend a lot of time doing the same work of planting,
preparing food and harvesting
 Plow Agriculture: Often men are viewed as property owners – think of early American in the
1700’s
 Industrialism: Factory based work. Both men and women can move into the work force. As
industrialization begins you often see women’s movements and a call for equality in
participation in the system.
 Post-Industrialism: Information and service based work – again both men and women can
move into the work force and you often see more equality between men and women
Gender Role Change
How do gender roles change from one pattern of
subsistence to another?