Sex and gender
Different terms are regularly used in theories of sexuality and gender, for example:
sex,
gender,
gender identity,
gender expressions,
gender roles,
sexual orientation. It is important to be clear about the meanings of such terms.
Gender is an area that cuts across thinking about society, law, politics and culture, and it is frequently discussed
in relation to other aspects of identity and social position, such as class, ethnicity, age and physical ability. Gender
is also an important concept within a range of social and political debates and may influence these debates
differently according to cultural context.
Gender is a ‘heavy’ word: politicians and public figures often use it with negative connotations, for example in
referring to ‘gender police’, or to ideologies that ‘threaten our kids’. These are examples of how gender can be
misunderstood and politicised.
There are some languages which do not have a word for ‘gender’. In such cases, the word ‘sex’ is normally used,
and in order to distinguish between sex and gender, different terms may be employed, for example ‘biological
sex’ may be used to refer to ‘sex’, and ‘cultural and social sex’ may be used to refer to ‘gender’.
However, even when the terms exist in the language, ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ are often used interchangeably.
Definitions of sex and gender
A number of definitions have been put forward by different organisations. They provide a useful starting point
for discussion.
The World Health Organisation summarises the difference between sex and gender in the following way:
Sex refers to “the different biological and physiological characteristics of males and females, such as
reproductive organs, chromosomes, hormones, etc.”
Gender refers to "the socially constructed characteristics of women and men – such as norms, roles and
relationships of and between groups of women and men. It varies from society to society and can be changed.
The concept of gender includes five important elements: relational, hierarchical, historical, contextual and
institutional. While most people are born either male or female, they are taught appropriate norms and
behaviours – including how they should interact with others of the same or opposite sex within households,
communities and work places. When individuals or groups do not “fit” established gender norms they often face
stigma, discriminatory practices or social exclusion – all of which adversely affect health17.”
The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence
is the first international human rights document that contains a definition of gender. In Article 3, gender is
defined as “socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers
appropriate for women and men.” 18
The European Institute for Gender Equality, an autonomous body of the European Union, provides very extensive
definitions of sex and gender:
“Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define humans as female or male. These sets of
biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive, as there are individuals who possess both, but these
characteristics tend to differentiate humans as females or males.”
“Gender refers to the social attributes and opportunities associated with being female and male and to the
relationships between women and men and girls and boys, as well as to the relations between women and those
between men. These attributes, opportunities and relationships are socially constructed and are learned through
socialisation processes. They are context- and time-specific, and changeable. Gender determines what is
expected, allowed and valued in a woman or a man in a given context. In most societies, there are differences and
inequalities between women and men in responsibilities assigned, activities undertaken, access to and control
over resources, as well as decision-making opportunities. Gender is part of the broader sociocultural context.
Other important criteria for sociocultural analysis include class, race, poverty level, ethnic group and age.”19
Other definitions 20 and general differences between the terms
Sex
Sex refers to biological differences between males and females (e.g. gonads, sexual organs, chromosomes,
hormones).
Sex is usually assigned at birth (there are examples when it is assigned later, when sex characteristics do not
clearly indicate the sex of the baby, for example in the case of ‘intersex’ people).
Sex can be changed: in the case of transsexual people, who are born with the sex characteristics of one sex and
gender identity of the other, sex reassignment surgeries are performed. This includes a change of sex organs and
the administration of hormones
Gender
Gender is a social, psychological and cultural construct and it is developed in the process of socialisation.
Different societies and cultures may therefore have different understandings of what is ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’.
Societies create norms and expectations related to gender, and these are learned in the course of people’s
lives – including in the family, at school, through the media. All of these influences impose certain roles and
patterns of behaviour on everyone within society. Gender norms – often limited to notions of masculinity and
femininity – change over time, but are usually based on a heteronormative order which stipulates that there are
two sexes (genders) and they are attracted to each other. People who do not appear to fall under this binary
notion of gender often suffer from exclusion, discrimination and violence.
Gender is both an analytical category – a way of thinking about how identities are constructed – and a political
idea which addresses the distribution of power in society.
Gender norms are learned and internalised by all members of society.
Gender norms vary across different cultures and over time.
Traditional gender norms are hierarchical: they presuppose an unequal power structure related to gender
that disadvantages mostly women.
Gender is not necessarily defined by biological sex: a person’s gender may or may not correspond to their
biological sex. Gender is more about identity and how we feel about ourselves. People may self-identify as male,
female, transgender, other or none (indeterminate/unspecified). People that do not identify as male or female
are often grouped under the umbrella terms ‘non-binary’ or ‘genderqueer’, but the range of gender
identifications is in reality unlimited.
Gender is deeply personal to every individual: some people recognise their gender identity early in childhood,
and some only later on.
Gender intersects with other categories, such as class, skin colour, ethnicity, religion or disability. Read more
about intersectionality.
Gender is something we express (gender expression), sometimes intentionally, and sometimes without
thinking. We communicate our gender in a number of ways, for example by the way we dress, the way we move,
our hair style, and the way we interact with others21.
Gender expression can vary for an individual from day to day or in different situations, but most people can
identify a range on the scale where they feel the most comfortable. Some people are comfortable with a wider
range of gender expression than others.
Gender may appear to be a complicated idea, but once the biological determinism common in everyday thinking
about differences between women and men is challenged, it becomes easier to understand gender.
Aspects of sex will not vary substantially between different human societies and over time, while aspects of
gender may vary greatly.
Examples of sex characteristics
Women can menstruate while men cannot.
Men have testicles while women do not.
Women have developed breasts that are usually capable of lactating (producing milk) while men have not.
Men generally have bigger bones than women.
Examples of gender characteristics
In most countries, women earn significantly less than men.
In some countries, the tobacco industry targets women by “feminising” cigarettes packaging for certain brands
(small “purse” packs that resemble cosmetics and evoke slimness, the use of “feminine” colours, such as pink).
In most countries of the world, women do more housework than men.
In some countries, the law allows people to marry a partner of the same sex; in other countries this is not
allowed.
What is the Filipino of community?
Pamayanan is a Tagalog word that literally translates to 'community' and 'togetherness' in English.
How would you describe the Filipino community and its culture and values?
A sense of national identity and pride emerged out of struggles for Philippine independence. However, loyalties
remain foremost with one's family and place of birth. Key values such fellowship, respect and acceptance are
found throughout the culture, with many Filipinos displaying a warming and hospitable demeanour.
What are 5 examples of Filipino culture?
Image result for filipino community philippines
Things You Should Know About Filipino Culture
Filipinos take pride in their families. ...
Filipinos are very religious. ...
Filipinos are very respectful. ...
Filipinos help one another. ...
Filipinos value traditions and culture. ...
Filipinos love to party. ...
Filipinos have the longest Christmas celebrations—ever. ...
Filipinos love to eat.
The most populous of these groups, with populations exceeding a million individuals, are the Ilocano, the
Pangasinense, the Kapampangan, the Tagalog, the Bicolano, and the Visayans (including the Cebuano, the
Boholano, the Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, and the Waray).
What is the example of community?
A community is a place where you might run into people you know or meet new people. For example, a
neighborhood with a play street that encourages neighbors to meet and enjoy recreation.
What are the beliefs of the Filipino community?
The Philippines proudly boasts to be the only Christian nation in Asia. More than 86 percent of the population is
Roman Catholic, 6 percent belong to various nationalized Christian cults, and another 2 percent belong to well
over 100 Protestant denominations.
How unique is the culture of our community Filipino?
The Philippines has a very unique culture due to the influences of colonization and the surrounding countries.
Filipino people are very hardworking and strive to make life better for the next generation of their family.
What makes the cultural communities in the Philippines unique?
The Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed
through influence from Chinease traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers. Filipino people tend to be very hospitable,
especially to Western visitors
How will you describe the society and culture of the Philippines today?
The culture of the Philippines comprises a blend of traditional Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions, with influences from
America and other parts of Asia. The Filipinos are family oriented and often religious with an appreciation for art, fashion, music
and food.
What are the 10 Filipino traditions?
Traditions Only Filipinos Can Understand
Competitive karaoke. Singing is one of the few pleasures that comes completely free here. ...
Cockfighting. ...
Courting. ...
The three-month Christmas. ...
The whole-neighborhood beach outing. ...
Street parades. ...
Family dinners at Jollibee.
What makes Philippines unique in the world?
The Philippines is home to a warm, hospitable, largely English speaking population. The legendary Filipino hospitality has become
a trademark of our people. This, plus the unique Spanish and American cultural influences make the country one of the more
convenient travel destinations in Asia.
What is Filipino culture and tradition?
Image result
The Philippines is a country full of love, light, laughter, and food. With a slight influence from America and some parts of Asia, the
culture of the Philippines is mainly a blend of Filipino and Spanish Catholic traditions. They have a good eye for fashion and art,
and their festivals are to die for.
What are 5 community examples?
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Examples of Communities
Business Communities.
Caste Communities.
City Communities.
Countercultural Communities.
Ethnic Communities.
Farming Communities.
Fundamentalist Communities.
Gated Communities.
What are the 3 types of community?
It's cool to say there are 3 main types of communities which include urban, suburban and rural communities, however, such
grouping could be referred to as being too condensed.
