Question

. 1, We have spent a lot of time in the first half of the course distinguishing between sex and gender. Please explain this critical difference in detail. In formulating your response be sure to start off by clearly defining each term (2 points) and then explain the role that gender plays in influencing our social interactions (1 point), and our self-presentation (1 point). Finally, explain what we mean by "doing gender" (1point). Provide examples to support your points.

Answer 1

Sex:   

It is the biological differentiation between males and females based on their reproductive functions.

Gender:

They are the characteristics associated with the person's sex. It includes physical, personality, and behavioral characteristics. This is how females are defined to be feminine, men masculine, etc.,

The difference lies in the fact that sex is assigned at birth, based on our reproductive parts that are physically identifiable. Gender, on the other hand, is how the person feels, projects, and behaves in society. A male child may start to feel like he is not a man but a girl trapped in a male body. This may lead to him assuming a female identity, which will go on to become his gender.

Role of gender in social interactions:

Social interactions are largely based on gender. Depending upon feminine or masculine gender identity, a person's personality attributes vary. In general, masculine identity is based on interests, whereas feminine identity is based on the support system. There are many things that vary in social interactions such as type of communication, details divulged, kind of response to a threat, etc.,

Doing gender:

Doing gender is a thesis that explains that gender is a social construct that is practiced daily. It also means that a person conforms to feminine or masculine gender attributes in order to satisfy societal expectations. Also, when gender norms are fixed by society, any deviation is seen as rebellion.