Lesson 1: Sex and Gender Lesson Objectives

1
Lesson 1: Sex and Gender
Lesson Objectives:
1. Identify the distinction of gender and sex as part of society.
2. Examine how two concepts through contemporary social theory.
3. Attempt to trace the development of gender present in Philippine context.
Getting Started:
This lesson discusses the concepts of sex and gender in the realm of
biological and social perspective – how they differ from one another and
how they become vital in nation building.
Discussion:
A. What they are, how they differ?
Sex is a biological term use to refer to mating of two

organisms as part of the reproduction process. Coitus is the
technical term for the act. Sex can also determine your role
according to reproduction process – male produces sperm
and female produces egg cell. There are some people who
are born with both male and female or incomplete genitalia
called as intersexed. They also vary in chromosomal make-up;
different internal and external genitalia (sex organs) and
different quantities of hormones. Chromosomes are the first
determinants of sex. There are two types of chromosomes X
and Y, female only contain X chromosome while male sperm
may have either. For gender neuter people (neither male or
female) the chromosomal make-up is XO.
Gender refers to social roles assigned or expected by the society. The most basic element of
contemporary gender systems is gender roles: the assignment of caring for children and home is for
women while providing income is for men. Production refers to social production such as commodities,
services and other things that can earn money in return of the labor called wages. Men’s sphere is all
about production. Meanwhile, reproduction includes all other tasks associated to it. Maintaining the
family, taking good care of children and good housekeeping – activities for survival with no economic
value belongs to women’s sphere.
The production- reproduction distinction has a big impact to society. Decision-making for large
community is dominated by men because of their economic activities. Moreover, the relative freedom
allows them to participate social-political structures which are also dominated my man in the
Philippines.
Learning Module in Gender and Society

2
B. Gender Bread Person

3
C. Gender Identity
One's innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither – how individuals
perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or
different from their sex assigned at birth.
D. Sexual Orientation
An inherent or immutable enduring emotional, romantic or sexual attraction to other people.

4
E. Gender Stereotypes
Gender stereotyping is defined as an overgeneralization of characteristics, differences and
attributes of a certain group based on their gender. Gender stereotypes create widely accepted
biases about certain characteristics or traits and perpetuate the notion that each gender. Gender
stereotypes are dangerous because they can cause us to might be disoriented in our perceptions.
When individuals don’t conform to our gender stereotypes the result can lead to discrimination and
unequal or create unequal or unfair treatments to a certain person who chooses to defy people’s
assumptions about his/her gender. When gender inequality occurs in the background of gender
stereotyping, this is in the most basic sense sexism.
Four Types of Gender Stereotypes

Sex Stereotypes- generalized view of traits specifically physical and emotional roles.
Sexual Stereotypes - assumptions regarding a person’s sexuality that reinforce dominant views.
Sex-role Stereotypes - focus on behaviors they must possess to fulfill their roles.
Compounded Stereotypes - assumptions about specific group belonging to a gender.
Sexism- prejudice against a certain sex or gender.
Homophobia- disgust or fear of homosexuals.
Discrimination- unequal treatment of a certain gender.
Stigma- a mark of disgrace given to a gender.
F. Gender and Socialization
1. Child-rearing (Family). “Gendering”- socialization of persons into a given gender.
Manipulation. Handling of boys or girls differently, even as infants. Boys

have more visual and physical stimulation. Girls have more verbal
stimulation.
Canalization. Directing children’s attention to gender-appropriate

objects. Toys teach children what their prescribe roles in life will be.

5
Verbal Appellation. Telling children what they are or what is expected

of them.
Activity Exposure. Familiarizing children to their gender-appropriate

tasks.
2. Institution of Mass Socialization

Four institution that are crucial:
Formal Education. The school, one of the socializing agents, no

doubt contributes to the strengthening of stereotypes learned at
home.
Mass Media. Advertising using gender imagery to get people buy

the products wherein it also convinces them to buy gender
prevalent ideology.
Religion. Most dominant religions teach that gender differentiation

and inequality are ordained by God.

Lesson 1: Sex and Gender Lesson Objectives

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson 1: Sex and Gender Lesson Objectives

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1

Lesson 1: Sex and Gender

Sex is a biological term use to refer to mating of two

Learning Module in Gender and Society

B. Gender Bread Person

Learning Module in Gender and Society

Learning Module in Gender and Society

Four Types of Gender Stereotypes

F. Gender and Socialization

1. Child-rearing (Family). “Gendering”- socialization of persons into a given gender.

Manipulation. Handling of boys or girls differently, even as infants. Boys

Canalization. Directing children’s attention to gender-appropriate

Learning Module in Gender and Society

Verbal Appellation. Telling children what they are or what is expected

Activity Exposure. Familiarizing children to their gender-appropriate

2. Institution of Mass Socialization

Formal Education. The school, one of the socializing agents, no

Mass Media. Advertising using gender imagery to get people buy

Religion. Most dominant religions teach that gender differentiation

Learning Module in Gender and Society

You might also like