Gender Identities

What does Functionalists have to say about gender identity?

Answer explanation

traditional gender roles can create a harmonious society if socialised correctly

segregated conjugal roles exist for men & women in a nuclear family (Parsons)

What does Postmodernists have to say about gender identity?

Answer explanation

gender identities are based on freedom of choice, fluidity, diversity, variety, pick & mix

traditional view of certain gender identities have declined

What does Feminists have to say about gender identity?

Answer explanation

radical: patriarchal values still have an effect on gender identities

liberal: increase in equality between gender identities & progress toward changes in attitudes

marxist: restrictions around gender choice due to women's social class

According to Ann Oakley, what is the difference between sex & gender?

• sex: the biological differences between men & women due to genes

• gender: based on social, psychological, & cultural differences between males & females that are passed down through socialisation

• gender: the biological differences between men & women due to genes

• sex: based on social, psychological, & cultural differences between males & females that are passed down through socialisation

What does Mead's study found about gender identities being socially constructed?

• different gender expectations exist within different culture

• same gender expectations exist within different culture

• different gender expectations exist within the same culture

• same gender expectations exist within same culture

According to Feminists, why are inequalities socially constructed?

• due to patriarchal values that put men in a superior position compared to women (radical & liberal)

• women are exploited because gender inequalities are the most significant form of exploitation (radical)

• being more open to change is what would bring equality to both gender (liberal)

• there are still restrictions around gender choice due to women’s social class (marxist)

What is the explanation behind the theory of performativity, according to Butler?

• gender is a performance

• gender is assigned

• gender is a biological construction

• gender is a social construction

Examples of how do we practice gender roles in daily lives?

Answer explanation

boys: study hard, go explore, don't be afraid of new things

girls: be subordinate, listen to your parents, don't talk back

What is a different meaning/ understanding of theory of performativity?

• people can undermine social norm by expressing subversive body acts

• people can enhance social norm by expressing subversive body acts

• people can undermine social norm by expressing body acts that confirms the gender identity

• people can enhance social norm by expressing body acts that confirms the gender identity

Examples of subversive bodily acts?

Answer explanation

boys: caring more about their looks & dressing up

girls: pursuing risky hobbies