Sex & Gender
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 18.1.2
Sex and Gender
Sex refers to biological differences between men and women. Gender, on the other hand, refers to the different roles that society ascribes to men and women.
Biology vs society
- Sex or biology is natural and unalterable e.g. our genes, hormones and sexual organs.
- Gender roles are defined by society and culture for men and women, usually through stereotypes such as "masculine" and "feminine".
Masculine vs feminine
- So-called masculine traits, such as competitiveness and aggression, are seen as superior to so-called feminine traits.
- Feminine traits are usually portrayed as passivity and submissiveness.
- Conservative thinkers argued that the social roles men and women have traditionally taken are those which are best suited to their nature e.g. men as decision-makers.
Feminist replies
- Feminist thinkers challenged this, emphasising that a woman's sex should not determine her social position.
- Gender roles are imposed on women, with no resemblance to their natural abilities, potential or personal ambitions.
- So, gender equality is the idea that women should enjoy equal rights, entitlements and opportunities.
Personhood and Conflict
The idea of androgyny or personhood is linked to sex and gender.
Disagreement
- This says that biological differences are minimal and human beings should not be judged or shaped by their sex, but as people.
- However, difference feminists disagree, arguing that there are essential biological differences between men and women, which alter their characters and personalities.
Responses
- Liberal feminists argue for equal rights and say women do not need to accept traditional female responsibilities e.g. to stay at home.
- Socialist feminists argue that gender is less significant than class and “class politics” should be the key feminist focus.
- Radical feminists say that a child’s upbringing should be a responsibility of the community or the state, not women.
Test yourself on Sex & Gender
Which of the following is NOT traditionally a feminist concern?