GENDER AND SOCIETY: Sex and Gender. What Are They and How They Differ?
GENDER AND SOCIETY: Sex and Gender. What Are They and How They Differ?
GENDER AND SOCIETY: Sex and Gender. What Are They and How They Differ?
MODULE 1
W elcome to the first module of Gender and Society. For this lesson, we will be able to
differentiate ‘Sex’ and ‘Gender’, and define what is meant by ‘Gender Identity’, ‘Sexual
Orientation’, and ‘Gender Roles’. It is necessary for us to gain better understanding of
ourselves, to be able to understand what is happening in this changing society, particularly
about gender issues from the international to the Philippine setting, so that we can address
it and promote gender equality. I am hoping that you will learn and enjoy this lesson as this
module takes you to a fresh insight about Gender and Society.
Learning Outcomes
If you are interested in gaining more knowledge After studying this module, you
about this topic, you can download Sex and Gender in will be able to:
the Philippine Society and Sociology of Gender which I 1. Differentiate sex and
gender; and
will be providing the reference at the end of this module.
Happy learning! 2. Discuss what is meant
by sexual orientation,
gender identity, and
gender roles.
Sex vs. Gender
Sexual Orientation
We are often confused if we were asked about our sexual orientation and gender
identity. To fully understand, a person’s sexual orientation is his or her physical, mental,
emotional, and sexual attraction to a particular sex (male or female). Sexual orientation is
typically divided into four categories: heterosexuality, the attraction to individuals of the
other sex; homosexuality, the attraction to individuals of the same sex; bisexuality, the
attraction to individuals of either sex; and asexuality, no attraction to either sex.
Heterosexuals and homosexuals may also be referred to informally as “straight” and “gay,”
respectively.
Activity 1
Excited for a quick activity? Differentiate sex and gender in your own words. Good
luck!
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Gender Identity
Our society allows for some level of flexibility when it comes to acting out gender
roles. To a certain extent, men can assume some feminine roles and women can assume
some masculine roles without interfering with their gender identity. Gender identity is a
person’s deeply held internal perception of his or her gender. It refers to each person's
deeply felt internal and individual experience of gender, which may or may not correspond
with the biological sex assigned at birth, including the person's sense of the body and other
expressions of gender.
Gender Roles
As we grow, we learn how to behave from those around us. In this socialization
process, children are introduced to certain roles that are typically linked to their biological
sex. The term gender role refers to society’s concept of how men and women are expected
to look and how they should behave. These roles are based on norms, or standards,
created by society. In most cultures like in the Philippines, masculine roles are usually
associated with strength, aggression, and dominance, while feminine roles are usually
associated with passivity, nurturing, and subordination. Role learning starts with
socialization at birth. Even today, our society is quick to outfit male infants in blue and girls
in pink, even applying these color-coded gender labels while a baby is in the womb.
One way children learn gender roles is through play. Parents typically supply boys
with trucks, toy guns, and superhero paraphernalia, which are active toys that promote
motor skills, aggression, and solitary play. Daughters are often given dolls and dress-up
apparel that foster nurturing, social proximity, and role play. Studies have shown that
children will most likely choose to play with “gender appropriate” toys (or same-gender toys)
even when cross-gender toys are available because parents give children positive feedback
(in the form of praise, involvement, and physical closeness) for gender normative behavior
(Caldera, Huston, and O’Brien 1998).
BREAK
Read the following essay and make a 1 page reaction paper about it.
Feedback time!
Tell us what you think about Lesson 1. Do you have questions or find any of the topics
hard to understand? We are glad to answer them.
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References
Eviota E. (1994) ‘Sex and Gender in the Philippine Society’, A Discussion of Issues on the
Relations of Men and Women. Online resource:
https://library.pcw.gov.ph/sites/default/files/Sex%20and%20gender%20in%20the
%20Philippine%20Society%20a%20discussion%20of%20issues%20.pdf
For an advance reading and a more comprehensive understanding of the next topic, you
may search the following online: