1. SOSC 200Y Gender and Society Lecture 3: Social Construction of Gender

2. L3: 13.09.06 Questioning the Natural (Liberal Feminism) Sex: –biological and genetic identity Gender: –culture and social patterns associate with F & M Nature ----------(a)----------------(b)--------(c)- Nurture (a)Sex difference as a basis of gender socialization (b)Categorization according to “sex markers” (c)Gender distinctions The cases of intersexed

3. L3: 13.09.06 Questioning the Natural (cont’) Nature vs Social Construction –Different sexes –males, females, herms, merms, ferms Cultural Prescription –Social role: not neutrally defined –Stereotype: set up a dualist framework –Simplify the society: male=upper; female=lower

4. L3: 13.09.06 Social Construction of Gender Role Expectation –Socialization: home, school, work place –Internalization Sexism –Dualism –Stereotypes –Femininity and Masculinity

5. L3: 13.09.06 Language The politics of names –First name and last names –Proper names –Dropped names He/ Man as norm = male and Human = (male) basic + (female) variations Words for men, words for women Good words vs Bad words – 奸 (cunning; disloyal; evil) – 安 (save; comfortable; settled) 好 (good)

6. L3: 13.09.06 In mass media

7. L3: 13.09.06 In mass media E.g. The future of Japan’s Monarchy!!! Suggested Readings: - Wharton, Amy S. (2005) The Sociology of Gender: An Introduction to Theory and Research, Malden: Blackwell Publication, ch.2