PSY 535 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Intellectual Disability, Structural Level, Social Dominance Orientation
Document Summary
Sex: biological differences in genetic composition and reproductive anatomy and function, pertains to what is biological or natural. Distinguishing sex from gender was an important step in recognizing that biology isn"t destiny: many of the apparent differences between men and women might be socially imposed rather than natural or inevitable. Gender distinctions occur at many levels in society. Gender-related processes influence behaviour, thoughts and feelings in individuals: affect interactions among individuals, help determine the structure of social institutions. Most societies are hierarchical: have one or more dominant groups and other subordinate groups, dominant group has more of whatever that society values. Also has more power and higher status: societies organize hierarchies on the basis of a variety of arbitrary distinctions. Gender is used universally: most modern societies are patriarchal. Allocate more power and higher status to men. Dominant groups use a variety of tactics to hold on to their power and maintain inequity among groups.
