Getting On The Same Page Differences Sex Gender Gender Identity Sexuality Sexual Orientation
KEY CONCEPTS Gender Differences We Love Categories Statistical Significance v. Substantive Significance Identity Matters Problems With A Focus On Differences Sex Biological Characteristics Is Sex Dichotomous and Unchangeable? Gender Gender As Sex Essentialism Gender As A Social Construction Is Gender Dichotomous and Unchangeable?
KEY CONCEPTS Gender Identity A person’s subjective view of him or her-self as male or female Usually dichotomous and maybe even unchangeable Gender identity has “salience” Sexuality Eroticism (what turns you on) and sexual behavior (what you do with that interest) The social construction of sexual meaning Sexual Orientation The match between one’s sex and the sex of one’s (desired or actual) sexual partners Dichotomous? Unchangeable?! A Social Construction? Meaning and stigma depends on social context
Getting On The Same Page Sex Roles Sexual Roles Gender Roles Stereotypes
KEY CONCEPTS Roles A set of prescriptions and proscriptions for behaviors Strongly related to positions in particular social contexts Sex and Sexual Roles Sex Roles: tied explicitly to sexual and biological differences Sexual Roles: societal norms of sexual response, drive, and desires Gender Roles Characteristics and behaviors that are appropriate for a person based on their gender Social (NOT personal) expectations Can become stereotypes and can be the result of stereotypes
Desired Personal Characteristics In Personal Ads This is the usual trend discussed in the literature
Offered Personal Characteristics In Personal Ads This is the usual trend discussed in the literature
KEY CONCEPTS Roles A set of prescriptions and proscriptions for behaviors Strongly related to positions in particular social contexts Sex and Sexual Roles Sex Roles: tied explicitly to sexual and biological differences Sexual Roles: societal norms of sexual response, drive, and desires Gender Roles Characteristics and behaviors that are appropriate for a person based on their gender Social (NOT personal) expectations Can become stereotypes and can be the result of stereotypes
Masculine Self-reliant Independent Athletic Assertive Forceful Analytical Leader Risk-Taker Individualistic Competitive AmbitiousFeminine Yielding Cheerful Shy Affectionate Flatterable Understanding Compassionate Soft-Spoken Warm Gentle Loves Children Bem’s Sex Role Inventory Androgynous (high on both) Undifferentiated (low on both) Cross-Sex Typed (masculine females and feminine males)