Sex and Gender: The Sociological Approach By: Lori Incitti

Thesis To differentiate between the terms ‘Sex’ and ‘Gender’ while thoroughly explaining where the underlying confusion which causes the misuse of these terms comes from and how to use them in the proper context.

Sex The biological identification of an individual as ‘male’ or ‘female’ depending on their physical traits. Obvious physical differences between male and female humans. Primary sex characteristics Penis v.s vagina and other internal and external sexual characteristics Secondary sex characteristics: not directly related to reproduction EX: Males-lower voice, more muscles, taller, more body hair EX: Females-more fatty tissue, wider hips, breasts

Gender Refers to masculinity or femininity Perceived, projected femininity/ masculinity of a person. Correlates normally with biological identification of an individual. Raised to follow a certain pattern of behavior Social groups define what is acceptable for a male/female to act like.

Gender Identity and Gender Role Gender identity is one’s own sense and conviction of being male or female. Is usually controlled by society. Deviation from one’s biological, corresponding gender identity is not a norm. Gender role is conforming socially with expectations for either male or female. Deviation from these roles is becoming more common

Sex v.s. Gender Sex Gender Biological Can be changed Transgender Primary sexual characteristics Chromosomes, genes, etc. Subjective to cultural norms Psychological Different expectations Social Instilled from young age EX: baby boys wrapped in blue, girls in pink. Device by which a society controls it’s members

Female v.s. Male (gender) Femininity Give birth to and raise children No or only part-time job Lower job status Glass Ceiling Mommy Track Masculinity Primary money maker Provides for family Receives higher salary Does better in predominantly female dominated fields Glass Elevator

Female v.s. Male (sex) Female Male Enlargement of breasts Growth of body hair, most prominently underarm and pubic hair Vaginal and uterine growth Widening of hips Decreased secretions of oil and sweat glands, causing less acne and body odor Growth of body hair, including underarm, abdominal, chest, and pubic hair Growth of facial hair Deepening of voice Increased height Increased muscle mass and strength Broadening of shoulders and chest; shoulders wider than hips Increased secretions of oil and sweat glands, often causing acne and body odor

Case Study: Gender-Fair Co-op Practices in Cebu, Philippines Established concrete data to prove that women’s participation in co-op leadership has impacted on the co-operative’s operations after a decade of gender intervention in co-ops. Co-ops are an association of people who unite voluntarily to meet common economic, social, and cultural needs. A co-op is a democratically run and controlled enterprise. Key informants selected as main respondents were women. Men also included as respondents to validate, confirm and re-enforce ideas and give comments. Data indicated that co-ops gained more income with women in the boardroom.

Sources “Chapter 11." Sex and Gender. 13 May 2009 <http://www.renderx.com/demos/examples/CH11.pdf > “Sex and Gender: Same or Different?” University of Hawaii System. 13 May 2009. <http://www.hawaii.edu/PCSS/online_artcls/intersex/sex_gender.html> “secondary sex characteristic: Definition from Answers.com.” Answers.com - Online Dictionary, Encyclopedia and much more. 13 May 2009. <http://www.answers.com/topic/secondary-sex-characteristic> “Viewpoint: Sex Versus Gender.” The National Organization for Women (NOW) web site. 13 May 2009. <http://www.now.org/nnt/fall-2001/viewpoint.html> “Definition 2.0 » Blog Archive » Gender Roles vs. Sex vs. Gender Identity vs. Sexuality.” Earlbecke.com - The Creative Work of J.R. Earlbecke. 13 May 2009. <http://www.melted-dreams.net/definition/2006/02/16/gender-roles-vs-sex-vs-gender-identity-vs-sexuality/> “Sex vs. Gender (Gender, sex, language, political correctness, pc) at Find Quotations.” All philosophy, online opinions - idea reason attitude feeling cool control notion viewpoint . May 13 2009. <http://allphilosophy.com/topic/1282> “Project Title: Case Study on Gender-Fair Coop Practices in Cebu, Philippines.” External Collaborator: Visayas Cooperative Development Center (VICTO). May 13 2009. <http://www.ilo.org/images/empent/static/coop/gender/outlinephillippines.PDF>