Gender and Sex

Sex 

In a very broad way, „sex‟ refers to the biological and physiological differences between male and female sex.  The term sex is a physical differentiation between the biological male and the biological female. Thus, when an infant is born, the infant comes to be labeled “boy” or “girl” depending on their sex. The genital differences between male and female is the basis of such characterization. There is a biological difference between the sexes and most people are born (expect for a few ambiguous cases) as one sex or another. However, it has been argued that having been born into one sex or another, individuals are then socialized according to specific gender expectations and roles.  Biological males learn to take on masculine roles. They are socialized to think and act in masculine ways. Biological females learn to take on feminine roles

Gender and Sex

Sex

• Biological
• Throughout history/ culture
• Not changeable

Gender

• Socially constructed roles & Responsibilities
• Different in different societies and time periods
• Changeable

MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY

The sex / gender differences raises the issues of male – female; masculine and feminine, male associated with masculinity and female with femininity. With each constructions the biological differences between men and women get translated into social terms and descriptions.

Patters of differences by gender is seen when the character is either masculine or feminine. For example, to be „strong‟ and „tough‟ is masculine. Being „weak‟ and „soft‟ are associated with feminine character. There are several other traits that are categorized as masculine and feminine.

Masculinity and femininity are concepts which signify the social outcomes of being male or female the traits and characteristics which describe men and women give men advantage over women.

We socially enter into our gendered categories of masculine and feminine right from birth.

Gender Role 

A gender role is a set of societal norms dictating the types of behaviors which are generally considered acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for people based on their actual or perceived sex or sexuality Gender roles are usually centered on conceptions of femininity and masculinity, although there are exceptions and variations. The specifics regarding these gendered expectations may vary substantially among cultures, while other characteristics may be common throughout a range of cultures.

Gender disparity. The differential in status held by men and women in society with regard to opportuni­ties, successes and possessions. Gender disparity also refers to differences in income, status, opportunities and power that exist between men and women in given settings. In many societies, men and women are conferred different roles, opportunities and statuses. These gender differences tend to be systematic and in­stitutionalized, requiring concerted action to eliminate them, and bring men and women to parity. Devices and programmes for affirmative action are used to bring about gender parity in many societies.

Gender equality. This ensures that women and men enjoy the same status and have an equal oppor­tunity to exercise their human rights and realize their full potential to contribute towards political, economic, social and cultural development, and to benefit from the results. It is the equal value attributed by society to both the similarities and the differences between women and men, and the different roles they play. Gender equality can be promoted when resources, opportunities and support are availed to men and women without regard to biological sex.

Importance of Gender Equality

• As a human right
• Gender inequality causes poverty
• Gender inequality is impediment to sustainable development
• With gender equality, economic growth is more effective

Gender gap. Findings or results of a gender audit should reveal gender gaps indicating the differences in situations between women and men, as well as pro­vide an assessment of prevailing knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviours that need to be addressed. A gender gap can be said to exist when men and women’s scores differ on attitudes, interests, behaviours, knowl­edge, perspectives and preferences on such issues as voting and support for specific policies, programmes or changes in society. Gender gaps can be attributed to differences between men and women in terms of perspectives, economic and social preferences, experi­ences and autonomy. Gender gaps are influenced by race, class, age, marital status and religion, among oth­ers factors. When men and women of the same social class and race share the same views and feelings about specific issues then one can conclude that there is no gender gap between them.