Gender and sexuality are complex aspects of identity shaped by society. This topic explores how gender roles, stereotypes, and sexual orientations are socially constructed, influencing our perceptions and experiences.

The notes delve into the differences between sex and gender, examine heteronormativity, and discuss LGBTQ+ identities. They also cover social constructionism, intersectionality, and queer theory, highlighting how these concepts challenge traditional views of gender and sexuality.

Gender and Sex

Defining Gender and Sex

• Gender refers to socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes society associates with being male or female
• Sex denotes biological and physiological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs) that define males and females
• Gender identity encompasses a person's internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither
• Gender expression involves how individuals outwardly manifest their gender through clothing, hairstyles, and mannerisms

Gender Roles and Stereotypes

• Gender roles consist of societal expectations for how people should behave based on their perceived gender
• Gender stereotypes represent oversimplified generalizations about characteristics, differences, and attributes of a particular gender
• Traditional gender roles often assign caregiving and domestic duties to women while associating leadership and breadwinning with men
• Gender stereotypes can manifest in various contexts (workplace, media, education) influencing perceptions and opportunities

Sexual Orientation and Heteronormativity

Understanding Sexual Orientation

• Sexuality encompasses a person's sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors towards others
• Sexual orientation describes an individual's enduring pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to men, women, or both sexes
• Sexual orientations include heterosexuality (attraction to opposite sex), homosexuality (attraction to same sex), and bisexuality (attraction to both sexes)
• Asexuality refers to individuals who do not experience sexual attraction or have little interest in sexual activity

Heteronormativity and LGBTQ+ Identities

• Heteronormativity assumes heterosexuality as the default or "normal" sexual orientation in society
• LGBTQ+ acronym represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other non-heterosexual or non-cisgender identities
• Heteronormativity can lead to discrimination and marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals in various social institutions (family, workplace, healthcare)
• LGBTQ+ rights movements advocate for equal treatment, legal protections, and social acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities

Social Construction and Theory

Social Constructionism and Intersectionality

• Social constructionism posits that many aspects of our perceived reality are created and maintained through social interactions and shared meanings
• This theory applies to gender and sexuality, suggesting these concepts are shaped by cultural, historical, and social contexts rather than being solely biologically determined
• Intersectionality examines how various social categories (gender, race, class, sexuality) interconnect to create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage
• Intersectional approach recognizes that individuals may experience multiple forms of oppression or privilege simultaneously based on their intersecting identities

Queer Theory and Gender Performativity

• Queer theory challenges fixed notions of gender and sexuality, advocating for fluid and non-binary understandings of identity
• This theoretical framework critiques heteronormativity and examines how power structures reinforce traditional gender and sexual norms
• Gender performativity, introduced by Judith Butler, suggests gender is not innate but performed through repeated acts and behaviors
• Performativity theory argues that gender is constantly created and recreated through social interactions and cultural expectations