1. Sex and Gender

2. Sex The “biological characteristics” of a person
sex organs related to reproduction
XY Chromosomes
physical features (more evident in puberty)
They distinguish us as: “male or female”

3. Gender The “social characteristics” that a society considers proper
Determines femininity and masculinity
We “learn” these characteristics from society

4. You inherit your sex but you learn your gender…..
What does society teach you?
Mona Lisa Smile – Gender roles
Watson (Julia Roberts) strongly encourages her students to be independent women, seeing their potential to be more than subservient accessories to a man’s household.
Examples of current gender bias in advertisement:
Clorox – Who’s job is the laundry?
Old Spice

5. Gender is a Master Status
No matter where we go in life we carry the label of male or female
These labels carry “images” and “expectations”
guides our behavior
Serves as the basis for power and privilege

6. *Barbie and GI Joe are examples of gender-based toys because they reinforce cultural and societal norms and roles.

7. Extreme pictures of kids and their stuff!

8. Job Segregation

9. How do sociologists view behavior?
Majority argue that gender-related behavior is not primarily the result of biology.
Look more at the culture for clues.
Sociologists have concluded that while biological characteristics exist, they can be modified through social experiences.
Men and women can learn to be submissive or aggressive.
***Males are:
10% taller than females
20% heavier than females
30% stronger, especially in their upper bodies
Females life expectancy is 79.5 while males is 74.1 years

10. Babe Ruth
In the 1930’s Babe Ruth was making $100,000 a year as a professional baseball player. It took 40 years before a female athlete would earn $100,000.
Is this difference in salaries an example of patriarchy or capitalism?
Can you name the female athlete and the sport in which she competed?

11. Traditional Gender Traits Male
Dominant
Independent
Intelligent
Competent
Rational
Assertive
Strong
Brave
Ambitious
Active
Competitive
Insensitive
Sexually aggressive
Attractive because of achievement

12. Traditional Gender Traits Female
Submissive
Emotional
Intuitive
Cooperative
Content
Sex object
Dependent
Incapable
Receptive
Passive
Sensitive
Attractive because of physical appearance