Question

In the past “sex” has been seen as binary – male and female.

However, not everyone fits within these limited options. Explain developmentally all the ways an individual could fall outside this dichotomy.

It can be argued that both gender and sex are socially constructed categories. Define both terms (i.e., gender and sex). How are these categories socially constructed? Give relevant examples from your own experience.

How is gender related to culture? Provide specific examples of how gender stereotypes differ by culture.

Answer 1

In the current times, the individual does not only fall in the category of male and female. There are many other divisions around us that make it possible for us to connect to other groups also. Fpr instance now we have homosexuals, lesbians, LGBT etc which clearly define that gender specific norms and divisions have grown over a period of time.In general terms, "sex" refers to the biological differences between males and females, such as the genitalia and genetic differences. "Gender" is more difficult to define, but it can refer to the role of a male or female in society, known as a gender role, or an individual's concept of themselves, or gender identity. The social construction of gender is a theory in feminism and sociology about the operation of gender and gender differences in societies.According to this view, society and culture create gender roles, and these roles are prescribed as ideal or appropriate behavior for a person of that specific sex.Some supporters of this idea argue that the differences in behavior between men and women are entirely social conventions, whereas others believe that behavior is influenced by universal biological factors to varying degrees, with social conventions having a major effect on gendered behavior.In the sociology of gender, the process whereby an individual learns and acquires a gender role in society is termed gender socialization. Gender roles are culturally specific, and while most cultures distinguish only two (boy and girl or man and woman), others recognize more.Culture can be defined as the systems of knowledge shared by a relatively large group of people. Gender aspects are relevant both in relation to the broad definition of culture as a ‘social construction’ and to the way in which cultural policy is designed and implemented. For instance in the Hindu culture, the women are expected to stay in the house and do the work while men go out for work. In this way these roles are defined based on a specific culture.