The terms sex, sexuality, and gender are often used interchangeably and sometimes incorrectly in conversations, reports, and interviews.
binary, the belief that there are only two distinct and opposite categories.
gender nonconforming, an individual whose behavior and/or gender expression do not conform to society’s norms for masculine and feminine.
masculinity, traditional behaviors and traits associated with men (HP), and femininity, traditional behaviors, and traits associated with women, are learned behaviors as a result of the socialization process.
The feminine-expressive role, providing care and emotional support, has traditionally been the role of the wife and mother. In contrast, the masculine-instrumental role, goal-oriented and providing financial support, has been the role of the husband and father (Parsons and Bales 1955).
Intersex, a person born with variations in male and female hormones, chromosomes, and/or sexual organs,
Specific types of media may promote sexism, prejudice, devaluation, and discrimination based on an individual’s sex (HP).
These family and household tasks are known as the second shift, the unpaid childcare and household responsibilities completed by women that are in addition to their paid work in the labor force.
Gender stratification, the unequal access and distribution of wealth, power, and privilege between women and men
This process is known as the glass escalator, which means that
glass ceiling, social and legal barriers designed to prevent minorities and women from advancing in the workplace
intersectionality, the overlap of personal and social identities that manifests as disadvantage and discrimination in people’s lives
honor killing, the killing of a female family member for the perceived shame she has brought onto the family, this type of violence against women is often assumed to only occur in the Middle East or Muslim culture
violence against women, any act that results in the mental, physical and/or sexual harm of a girl, teen, or woman
Functionalist Theory: Regarding social problems associated with sex and gender, the functionalist perspective examines policy’s intended and unintended consequences and how such policies contribute to society.
Conflict Theory: The conflict perspective perceives the social problems associated with sex and gender as a power struggle between dominant and subordinate groups. The powerful, dominant group institutes policy that members of the less powerful subordinate group find objectionable.
Symbolic Interactionism: Symbolic interaction contends that people view social problems through the lens of their own life experiences. When it comes to issues of violence, the process of socialization and interaction with others serves to reinforce or dispel the behavior.
microaggressions, words, and deeds that negatively impact marginalized individuals, groups, or communities
transgender, a person who identifies with a gender different from their biological sex
feminism, a social movement that aims to establish equality between the sexes.
men’s rights movement, an effort to establish the employment, sexual, and familial rights of men
gay rights movement, individuals and organizations seeking to establish legal and social equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community, seek equal rights and the reduction of discrimination
| Sex | Biological and anatomical variances between males and females |
| Sexuality | An individual’s experience and expression as a sexual being |
| Gender |
The socially learned expectations and behaviors associated with being a man or woman
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