Glossary of Social Terms

Sex

Sex refers to a person’s biological status and is typically categorised as male, female, or intersex. It refers to the genetic difference between males and females. Sex denotes on the physical characteristics such as the genitals and body hair.   

Other examples of sex characteristics are that:

• Women menstruate
• Men have testicles
• Women have developed breasts
• Men generally have bigger bones than women

Gender

Gender is the range of characteristics that define masculinity and femininity. These characteristics may include Gender identity, biological sex or sex-based social structures.

Gender refers to the socially constructed behaviours, activities, roles and attributes that society deems suitable for men and women.

Examples of gender characteristics:

• In similar work, women earn significantly less money than men, in most countries.
• In Saudi Arabia men are allowed to drive cars while women are not
• In most of the world, the household work is carried out by a women

The pink is the female Venus symbol. The blue represents the male Mars symbol

Gender Roles

A gender role is a construction that refers to a set of communal and behavioural norms that, within a specific society, are commonly considered to be socially acceptable for individuals of a specific sex. Gender roles have a huge impact on how males and females should think, speak, dress, and interact within society. The gender roles vary depending on the culture. The perception of gender roles, include actions, personalities traits and attitudes related with a gender within that culture.

Masculinity

Is it about having big biceps, Facial hair or been heroic? Or is that just what we have been led to believe by Western society?

In fact, masculinity is a set of traits, attributes, behaviours, and roles associated with boys and men. 

Some Stereotypical characteristics of a masculine man:

·         Powerful                   Determined

·         Strong                        Aggressive

·         Courageous              Independent

·         Brave                          Dominant           

Femininity

Femininity is a build-up of attributes, behaviours, and roles that are constructed by society, associated with girls and women. 

Characteristics traditionally cited as feminine include gentleness, empathy, and sensitivity. However, these characteristics related with femininity vary depending on location and are influenced by a variety of social and cultural factors

Some stereotypical characteristics of a feminine female: 

• Thoughtfulness                     Beauty
• Empathy                                 Vulnerability 
• Sensitivity                               Patience
• Gentle                                     Radiance 

Sexuality

It is not about having sex with another person, it is your feelings or attraction to other people. It’s your sexual preferences, your thoughts and feelings to another person of a sexual nature. Actually discovering your sexuality, could take a whole life time for you to realise that the chosen sexuality fits right with you.

Sexuality ventures wider than just the simple terms of ‘gay’ or ‘straight’. Regardless of sex or gender, people are attracted to a diversity of people whereas some are just attracted to one sex.

Types of sexuality:

• Straight                    Bisexual
• Gay                            Asexual
• Lesbian

 Gender Identity

Usually developed during early childhood, parents and societal influences create a individuals gender identity, this is ones inner sense of being male or female. A individuals gender identity strengthens during puberty and hormonal changes.

Expressing our gender and gender roles shows us how we feel about our gender identity. We do this by portraying our behaviour and appearance in a certain way.