Sex Roles

Introduction

Sex Roles

Sex is biological Gender is self or social conception of

masculinity and femininity Virtually every known society

differentiates people on the basis of gender

Also based on male domination

Gender-Identity Formation

Typical prenatal differentiation (6 weeks)

– 23 human chromosomes• 22 autosomes and 1 sex chromosome

– Chromosomal sex• XX: female XY: male• DSS gene on X SRY gene on Y• Ovaries Testes

Typical Prenatal DifferentiationPart 1

Gonadal sex– Ovaries or testes (DSS or SRY)

Hormonal sex– Estrogens & androgens (once developed

release)

Sex Differentiation

Hypothalamus • absent testosterone during prenatal

differentiation (pregnancy)• leads to receptor cells initiating menstrual cycle

– Cerebral hemispheres– Corpus callosum (thicker in women)

Typical Prenatal DifferentiationPart 2

Internal structures– Mullerian (female) or Wolffian duct systems

develop into female or male internal organs

External structures– Genital tubercle develops into clitoris or penis– Labio-scrotal swelling develops into labia or

scrotum

Prenatal Differentiation of Internal Structures

Prenatal Differentiation of External Genitals

Prenatal Differentiation of External Genitals

Atypical Prenatal DifferentiationPart 1

Intersexed– Hermaphrodites

• Both ovarian and testicular tissue

– Pseudohermaphrodites• Gonads match chromosomal sex

Sex chromosome disorders (see table page 54)– Turner’s syndrome XO

• Only 1 sex chromosome, external OK, internal not developed

– Klinefelter’s syndrome XXY• Antomically male, sterile, little interest

Transsexualism and Transgenderism

Transexualism– Cross gender identification and gender dysphoria

Transgendered– People whose appearance and/or behavior does not

conform to traditional gender roles

Intersexed people Gender Identity vs. sexual orientation

Options for Transsexuals

Gender blending / cross-dressing

Psychotherapy

Sex reassignment

Doing Gender

Should not be based on size– Penis is too small, can’t possibly be a man

Gender is active– Performance with props, signs, symbols,

behaviors, emotions – Sex changes vs. cross dressers as

evidence

The Interactional Model

Acknowledgment of both nature and nurture

Relative roles are still unclear

Other Issues

Our culture believes certain characteristics are feminine and thus should not be part of being male– Males: independent and aggressive– Females: nonassertive, warm, and nurturant – Recent trend away from rigid stereotypes– Ethnic Variation in gender roles

What happens when women or men decide to contradict the larger culture’s views on femininity or masculinity?

Margaret Mead

Found that in some societies men are more emotional and feminine than the women in that society

Argued that personality differences between the sexes are cultural creations, which we are trained to conform

Margaret Mead

Majority of society will conform, few deviants

However she wanted to know why men and women were so divided in most cultures- regardless of the division

Why are boys taught not to show fear and for girls it is okay to show fear?

Institutions

5 Social Institutions– Family, economy, religion, political order,

and education– Let’s focus on family and school for now

Family

First thing known about new baby Toys Chores Role models

School

Boys and girls reinforce and teach gender

Males receive more attention in class – They need it, can’t sit still, etc. – Demand more of it, call out

Changes

Despite this extra attention boys generally do worse in school

ADD, mentally retarded, learning disabled (71%), emotionally disturbed (81%)

Schools are run by women, for girls – Expected to sit quietly

Effects

Boys tend to be overconfident Girls begin to undervalue their abilities Comparing math scores when girls and

boys did the same, boys rate their abilities higher and girls lower

The best thing about being a boy… Playing Sports (24.5%) Being Strong (20.7%) Entitlement (17.7%)

– Listened to more– Allowed to do more– Greater respect

The best thing about being a girl… Appearance (22.5%) Nothing (17.7%)

– More boys than girls submitted this answer Academic Advantage (13.4%)

Androgyny: Transcending Gender Roles

Blending of typical male and female behaviors in one individual

Benefits and drawbacks

May show more flexibility & comfort with sexuality