Exam Summary Notes for WST 371:
Women, Gender, and Social Change
1. Gender and Feminist Theory:
• Gender vs. Sex:
o Sex refers to biological differences
between males and females
(chromosomes, hormones, reproductive
organs).
o Gender is a social and cultural construct
relating to the roles, behaviors, and
expectations associated with being male
or female.
• Gender Essentialism vs. Social
Constructionism:
o Gender Essentialism: Belief that gender
differences are innate and biologically
determined.
o Social Constructionism: Argues that
gender is created and maintained
through social interactions and cultural
norms.
, • Hegemonic Masculinity:
o A cultural ideal that promotes dominant,
aggressive behaviors in men,
marginalizing those who do not conform
and reinforcing gender hierarchies.
• Intersectionality (Kimberli
Crenshaw):
o Examines how various forms of identity
(race, class, gender, etc.) intersect to
create different experiences of
oppression and privilege. It is essential
for understanding complex social
dynamics.
• Gender Performativity (Judith
Butler):
o Proposes that gender is not inherent but
is performed through repeated actions
and behaviors. Gender identities are
constructed through these performances.
2. Feminist Theories and
Movements:
Women, Gender, and Social Change
1. Gender and Feminist Theory:
• Gender vs. Sex:
o Sex refers to biological differences
between males and females
(chromosomes, hormones, reproductive
organs).
o Gender is a social and cultural construct
relating to the roles, behaviors, and
expectations associated with being male
or female.
• Gender Essentialism vs. Social
Constructionism:
o Gender Essentialism: Belief that gender
differences are innate and biologically
determined.
o Social Constructionism: Argues that
gender is created and maintained
through social interactions and cultural
norms.
, • Hegemonic Masculinity:
o A cultural ideal that promotes dominant,
aggressive behaviors in men,
marginalizing those who do not conform
and reinforcing gender hierarchies.
• Intersectionality (Kimberli
Crenshaw):
o Examines how various forms of identity
(race, class, gender, etc.) intersect to
create different experiences of
oppression and privilege. It is essential
for understanding complex social
dynamics.
• Gender Performativity (Judith
Butler):
o Proposes that gender is not inherent but
is performed through repeated actions
and behaviors. Gender identities are
constructed through these performances.
2. Feminist Theories and
Movements:
