Lesson 10: Sex and Gender

Sex is the biological category that we are divided into. Predominalty male and female.

Using makeup is gender trait. The idea that girls are the only ones that should wear makeup is a socially constructed one. Gender refers to the set of traits that a group considers normal for the male and female members.

The mass media shows sex-roles in a very stereotypical manner. For example, the movie Cinderella shows Cinderella as a helpless girl who needs to be saved. She is also shown doing passive activities such as cleaning and cooking.

The medias influence on what is expected of women can be seen in this magazine picture. Women are expected to do passive exercising such as yoga and running, and look amazing while doing them.

Gender inequality was very strong in past and peasant societies. In one of these societies it would have been abnormal for a male to be taking care of the home and cooking.

The couple in this picture is a heterosexual couple. Heterosexual is when a someone is attracted to someone of the opposite sex. Sociologists usually look at sexuality as a broad spectrum rather than just a few different categories.

Typically women are expected to do most of the child bearing and rearing. In this picture I am watching my little niece and acting in a role that society expects.

Gender can be assigned to anything, including things that aren't even alive. For example, mustangs are considered a mans car. While a Beetle or a Mini Cooper would be considered a females car.