Transcript Chapter 4 Our Gendered Identities

Chapter 4
Our Gendered Identities
Key Terms

gender role
Societal attitudes and behaviors expected of
and associated with the sexes.

gender identity
The degree to which an individual sees herself
or himself as feminine or masculine based on
society's definitions of appropriate gender
roles.

agentic (instrumental) character traits
Traits such as confidence, assertiveness, and
ambition that enable them to accomplish
difficult tasks or goals.

communal (expressive) character traits
Warmth, sensitivity, the ability to express
tender feelings, and placing concern about
others’ welfare above self-interest.

intersexual
Children born with some anatomical,
chromosomal or hormonal variation from the
male or female biology that is considered
normal.

transsexuals
People raised as one sex while emotionally
identifying with the other.

male dominance
A situation in which the male(s) in a dyad or
group assume authority over the female(s).

old-fashioned (traditional) sexism
Believing that women’s roles should be
confined to family roles and that women are
not as fit as men for certain tasks or leadership
positions.

modern sexism
Denies that gender discrimination persists and
believes that women are probably asking too
much now.

hormones
Chemical substances secreted by the
endocrine glands; influence the activities of
cells, tissues and body organs.

structural constraints
Established and customary rules, policies and
day-to-day practices that affect a person’s life
chances.

Huber’s theory of gender stratification
Examines three social stages that vary greatly
in the roles and status assigned to men and
women.

borderwork
Cross-sexual interaction rituals that are based
on and reaffirm boundaries and differences
between girls and boys.

androgyny
Social and psychological condition by which
individuals think, feel and behave in ways
associated with both masculine and feminine
roles.