SOC 335 Chapter 5: Chapter 5- Gender
Document Summary
Sex selection is not illegal in the united states, but any sec selection that is not medically necessary is considered unethical in the medical community. Sex- one"s biological category, male or female, based on anatomy and physiology. Sexual identity- the recognition, or internalization of a biological sex category. Gender- the social realization of a biological sex. Gender identity- the identification with the social category boy/man or girl/ woman. Gender expression- one"s pattern of outward behavior in relation to common standards of a gender category. Sociologists distinguish between them for two reasons: developing these parts of ourselves involves separate processes, there is a minority of people for whom sexual and gender identity is important for understanding those situation. Fashion is just one way we turn biological sexual identities into social gender identity and expression. Sex differences are the basis for the observable, average physical differences between girls and boys, women and men.
