Sex And Gender
Sex and Gender It is commonly known for the terms sex and gender to be often used interchangeably, however both defined differently. When a child is first born one of the most commonly question that is asked whether their boy or girl.
Gender refers to masculine or feminine, while sex refers to male or female (Bland 2005). Therefore, gender comprises the expectations and behaviors a society considers appropriate for each sex to display. On the other hand sex includes biological characteristics that distinguish the sexes apart.
Gender is determined biologically before humans are born based on feminine or masculine characteristics. Hormones linked to sexual characteristics and reproductive fucntions nmjnjkk
Biological Factors- Nature
Before humans are born gender is determined biologically based on feminine or masculine characteristics. Hormones linked to sexual characteristics and reproductive functions are found in different levels in males and females from infancy through adulthood (Hetherington & Parke, 2002). During the period of puberty the pituitary gland releases special hormones that trigger the tendency toward a specific gender. Though there is no solid proof of biological factors being the determination of one’s identity, that we are born with certain characteristics, one would even argue the fact that if a parent is an alcoholic does not mean the child will be one as well, though they carry the specific trait it will have other influences for one to go down that same path (genetic fixity).
Environmental Influences – Nurture
Since the first environmental influence a child experiences comes from the family, the impact on their identity starts when the baby is first coming home from hospital based on the gender of their clothing they are treated accordingly. A father will be more assertive towards his son in preparing him for manhood and compassionate towards the daughter as her protector, hence the idea of women marrying men who have similar
Gender refers to masculine or feminine, while sex refers to male or female (Bland 2005). Therefore, gender comprises the expectations and behaviors a society considers appropriate for each sex to display. On the other hand sex includes biological characteristics that distinguish the sexes apart.
Gender is determined biologically before humans are born based on feminine or masculine characteristics. Hormones linked to sexual characteristics and reproductive fucntions nmjnjkk
Biological Factors- Nature
Before humans are born gender is determined biologically based on feminine or masculine characteristics. Hormones linked to sexual characteristics and reproductive functions are found in different levels in males and females from infancy through adulthood (Hetherington & Parke, 2002). During the period of puberty the pituitary gland releases special hormones that trigger the tendency toward a specific gender. Though there is no solid proof of biological factors being the determination of one’s identity, that we are born with certain characteristics, one would even argue the fact that if a parent is an alcoholic does not mean the child will be one as well, though they carry the specific trait it will have other influences for one to go down that same path (genetic fixity).
Environmental Influences – Nurture
Since the first environmental influence a child experiences comes from the family, the impact on their identity starts when the baby is first coming home from hospital based on the gender of their clothing they are treated accordingly. A father will be more assertive towards his son in preparing him for manhood and compassionate towards the daughter as her protector, hence the idea of women marrying men who have similar
References: Fenstermaker, S. & West, C. (eds.) (2002) Doing Gender, Doing Difference. Routledge, New York. Kimmel, Michael S. (2004) The Gendered Society. Oxford University Press, New York.