Oakley (1972, cited in Howson, 2013) refers to gender as the ‘psychological, social and representational differences between men and women, which are socially determined and culturally variable’. Combined with Fulcher & Scott’s definition of gender, it can be assumed that males are characteristically expected to feel, think and behave in a masculine manner, whilst females are expected to do the same in a feminine manner. (Fulcher & Scott, 2011, 151). In contrast to
Additional differences between men and women are that they differentiate as they often inhabit different social roles as well as occupational. Finally, sexual reproduction is a biological constant that is ultimately related to men and women being different since a woman is defined as childbearing and child rearing (Eagly, 1987) and promotes intimacy between the men and women. Furthermore, men often employ their power over women as well as their sexual relationships, which at times women counter power through sexuality by using sexual attractiveness to control the man. Therefore, concerns about power and the differences regarding the sexuality are bound together. Modern context in where social movement and increasing gender and equality threaten the traditional male dominance may be directed on those woman who challenge the power of a man and the status (e.g.
Gender is put into “masculine” and “feminine” categories while sex is put into “male” and “female”categories. How do gender and sex contribute to the concepts and constructions of masculinity and femininity? Gender and sex have so much to do with masculinity and femininity. Like I said above [Gender is put into “masculine” and “feminine” categories while sex is put into “male” and “female”categories.] Males are considered masculine because they are “rough and tough” and females are considered feminine because of history and women having to act like a “proper lady”.
Feminist Masculinity is described as: “What is and was needed is a vision of masculinity where self-esteem and self-love of one's unique being forms the basis of identity. Cultures of domination attack self-esteem, replacing it with a notion that we derive our sense of being from dominion over another.” (Word for word page
Studies believe that sex refers to the genitals, musculature, body shapes and hormones. Furthermore, we could also imply that sex is culturally constructed; essentially any form of phenomenon constructed can vary from culture to culture. Sex is believed to be the natural bodies, which can be divided into sexes without culture. Therefore, sex doesn’t genuinely dictate gender, but gender itself is the main cause why it is possible for biologist/scientist to identify a person’s sex. Gender is socially constructed, which doesn’t necessarily signify that females and males are the same nor does their culture makes them different.
122 As a process, gender creates the social differences that define “woman” and “man.” In social interaction throughout their lives, individuals learn what is expected, see what is expected, act and react in expected ways, and thus simultaneously construct and maintain the gender order pg. 123 As part of a stratification system, gender ranks men above women of the same race and class pg. 123 The dominant categories are the hegemonic ideals, taken so for granted as the way things should be that white is not ordinarily thought of as race, middle class or men as a gender. The characteristics of these categories define the Other as that which lacks the valuable qualities the dominants exhibit. Pg.
They reject the idea that biological differences make women less competent than men or men are biologically less emotional or nurturing than women. Oakley (1972) distinguishes between sex and gender. Sex refers to biological differences between males and females, such as the reproductive role. Gender refers to culturally constructed differences between the ‘masculine’ and ‘feminine’ roles. While sex differences are fixed, gender differences vary between cultures and over time.
By the time we reached late childhood and adolescence our concept of gender identity and sexual orientation is firmly entrenched (Wood, 2010). Our behavior, aspirations and attitudes is also strongly influenced by the gender role expectations in particular cultures. This essay will relate, contrast sex and gender in society and how important it is for sociologists to distinguish them both. The term “sex” is the natural biological genetic makeup that distinguishes males from females and in particular the sexual organs and their characteristics. Bodies are, so we think, natural, God- given, sacred, hardwired.
She developed her theory mostly founded on the postulation that social and cultural surroundings fundamentally direct a person to the development of his or her personality. Horney was entirely cognizant of Freud’s rather prejudiced assumptions, particularly when it concerned sexual roles. Horney obviously believed that a person’s sex was determined by biology. Conversely, society typically has the final say in what is or is not acceptable for either sex. She fully understood that society is the last influential outlook in how behavior transforms and is the main factor that characterizes gender.
Gender or sex refers to the socially constructed categories of feminine and masculine which are the cultural identies and values that prescribe how men and women should behave. The social power relations based on those categories are distinct from the categories of biological sex (male or female) (Germov, 2009, p. 131). Gender refers to the social aspects of differences and hierarchies between male and female. (Macionis, 2008, p. 367). Gender is understood as a system of relations, a social product constantly negotiated and redefined that both constrains and provides opportunity for action.