Glossary of sociological terms

Sex

This is the biological difference between male and female, e.g. the reproductive system.

As Bilton, T. et al (2002) discusses sex derives from nature, it allows a distinction between male and female (p. 134).

"The biological divisions between males and females (and very occasionally hermaphrodites). Sex is argued by sociologists to be distinct from gender" (Lawson and Garrod, 2006, p. 259).

Gender

Gender is the identification of male or female, however not necessarily looking at the biological aspect. It is argued that gender is shaped by society and culture. For example, it has been traditional that a boy wears blue and a girl wears pink, a tradition set by society.

Bilton, T. et al (2002) debate that gender is created by society and many classifications of masculine and feminine (p. 134).

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Oxford dictionary (2014) states "The state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones)" (Lines 5-7).




Gender Roles

www.williambakhos.com (2009)

Gender roles are what tend to be specific roles for a specific sex according to social norms, for example, in the past it would be that women stay at home to cook, clean and look after the children whilst men go out and work. However, women are now seen to go out to work, but again this has been stereotyped to jobs such as cleaners, receptionists and nurses whilst men take on roles such as doctors, builders and chefs.

Gender roles also applies expectation of attitude from males and females. Independent, assertive and competitive are approaches expected of males whereas passive sensitive and supportive are more expected from females (http://highered.mheducation.com, 2003).

Masculinity

www.thefreedictionary.com (2014) ''Something traditionally considered to be characteristic of a male'' (Line 4).

Masculinity is what is considered by society of how a male typically behaves, this would be traits such as being strong, controlling and having restricted emotions (Men don't cry!).

Femininity

www.thefreedictionary.com (2014) "A characteristic or trait traditionally held to be female" (Line 4).

Sensitive, emotional, empathy and groomed are all expected of a female in order for her to be feminine. The idea of femininity created by society tends to be that of a female who takes care of her looks, polite and kind.

Gender Identity

A persons private sense of their own gender, usually established in early childhood (www.dictionary.com, 2014).

Gender Identity can be described as an individuals sense of whether they feel they identify with their biological sex. An individual may be born a male, but not follow the typical traits of a male or identify with their given gender. People usually know from a young age that they do not feel they are 'in the right body'.




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Sexuality

Lawson and Garrod (2006) say how Sociologists are fascinated as to how groups are moulded according to sexuality.
Sexuality is about attraction, who you are attracted to, e.g. which sex you prefer. There are stereotype ideas that certain sexualities have certain characteristics such as gay men are thought to be more feminine.