Gender Roles

Sex Vs. Gender Sex: either the male or female division of a species; with reference to the reproductive functions. -Concerns physical and biological differences that distinguish males from females Gender: has no necessary biological component.

Sex Vs. Gender

Gender Roles Definition: The pattern of masculine or feminine behavior of an individual that is defined by a particular culture and that is largely determined by a person’s upbringing. Gender roles give meaning to sexual gendered identity.

Gender Stereotypes Gender Stereotypes: an oversimplified or distorted generalization about the characteristics of men and women. When gender roles become so rigid and engrained they become stereotypes.

Fun Fact: Role Reversal In species like the seahorse and pipefish, males carry eggs and females compete for access.

Sandra Bem Born June 22, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Is an American psychologist known for her work in gender studies.

Sandra Bem: The Bem Sex Role Inventory Bem asked college students how desirable they considered various characteristics for a man and for a woman. Lets try it! Lets try it

Bem Sex Role Inventory: The Findings Traits such as ambition, self-reliance, independence, and assertiveness were considered to be desirable for men. It was desirable for women to be affectionate, gentle, understanding, and sensitive to the needs of others.

The Findings Continued: Out of 1,500 undergraduate students: ◦ 50 percent stuck to traditional sex or gender roles. ◦ 15 percent were cross sex-typed. ◦ 36 percent were considered androgynous.

Androgyny: Bem argues that androgyny should be our ideal. New concepts of what it means to be masculine and feminine are more widely accepted. Argues that people should accept new androgynous roles: roles that involve a flexible combination of traditionally male and female characteristics.

Androgyny: