Lecture notes: Gender and theory

ED2BLG TUES 11/10


Gender & Theory

Gender = physical/social construct of being male or female.

Gender identity 2 approaches to gender identity:
is not fixed
across time,
space, and Biological self: Psychological self:
place. It is not  Natural  Developed
linear.  Fixed, can’t  Learnt
be changed
Gender VS Sex
Characteristics of women, Biological & psychological
men, girls & boys = socially characteristics of everyone Gender & sex
constructed are related but
Norms, behaviours & roles Chromosomes, DNA, are different,
associated with gender hormones, reproductive especially when
discussing
organs
gender identity.
Social construct
Varies from society to society
Changes over time
Nature VS Nurture
“One isn’t born Biological determinism Culture
but rather
Pre-disposed Expectations are
becomes a
women” characteristics culturally shaped
around what is &
Beauvoir, 1949 isn’t acceptable
E.G. Women = nurturing E.G. Big boys don’t
due to ability to give cry
birth
E.G. Men = aggressive E.G. what is and
 Sex & gender = 2 distinct due to the idea of them isn’t masculine or
things being hunters feminine
 Sex = biological
 Gender = identity & is taught
 Women define themselves in
reference to men



“Gender as  External punishments & imprints on the soul
performance  Nothing is intrinsically biological about being
” male or female
 Queer theory = gender is fluid. Neglect
binary terms. Challenges hetronormativity.
Butler, 1990