ANTHROP 1AA3 Midterm: Anthro - Jan 15th (Lecture and Textbook)

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Anthropology
• Course: ANTHROP 1AA3
• Professor: Karen Mc Garry

Document Summary

Biological models assume that sex determines gender: that innate biological differences lead to behavioural differences: evidence suggests this is not true. The view that gender roles are biological is problematic; it justifies existing inequalities. This was the first study to show gender cross-culturally; showed that gender is culturally constructed. Showed that gender is a result of culture not biology. In almost every society, labour is divided by gender; certain tasks are for men and others for women. Sex: sex: refers to biological distinctions such as the chromosomal, hormonal or physical differences between males and females; in our society we have historically perceived there to be two sexes. Sexual dimorphism; the idea that males tend to be larger than females. Secondary sex characteristics; physical differences not related to reproduction; men tend to have a deeper voice, grow more facial hair: morphology related to childbearing; different genitalia, but are there only males and females, may be problematic/false dichotomy, ex.