Lecture Notes: Gender and Society - Introduction to Gender Concepts

Introduction

• Speaker: Raymond Espanola from Surigao Del Norte State University
• Course: GE Gender and Society
• Overview of key questions to explore:
  • Difference between gender and sex
  • Concepts of gender identity, expression, and roles
  • Gender binary and gender non-conformity (GNC)
  • Understanding transgender and intersex identities
  • Relationship between gender and sexuality
  • Introduction to SOJI (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity)

Key Concepts

Sex vs. Gender

• Sex:

  • Refers to biological and physical characteristics (chromosomes, genitalia).
  • Assigned at birth based on physical attributes.
  • Typically categorized as male or female.
  • Intersex individuals do not fit traditional binary definitions.

• Gender:

  • Social aspect of identity; a complex construct varying by culture and time.
  • Assigned gender typically reflects assigned sex but can differ.
  • Gender roles shaped by societal expectations.
  • Gender is multifaceted, not restricted to male or female.

Gender Identity

• Definition: Internal understanding of oneself in terms of gender (man, woman, or other).
• Can be congruent (cisgender) or incongruent (transgender) with assigned sex at birth.
• Development of gender identity begins early; children can express understanding as young as 3 years old.
• Cisgender: Gender identity aligns with sex assigned at birth.
• Transgender: Gender identity differs from sex assigned at birth.

Gender Expression

• Definition: How individuals express their gender identity outwardly (clothing, behaviors, interests).
• Gender expression can differ from both sex and gender identity.
• Examples of gender expression:
  • Masculine and feminine behaviors and interests.
  • Gender non-conformity (GNC) is when someone does not adhere to societal expectations of gender expression.

Gender Roles

• Definition: Duties and expectations assigned based on gender identity.
• Fluid and can change over time and across cultures.
• Examples of historical gender roles include women's roles in various cultures and societies.
• Societal pressure can lead to skepticism of individuals who do not conform to gender roles.

Gender Binary

• Definition: A framework where gender is viewed as either male or female, with no in-between.
• Maintains traditional views of gender based on societal norms and power dynamics.
• Increasingly recognized that many people identify outside this binary (non-binary, genderqueer).

Gender Non-Conformity (GNC)

• Refers to individuals who do not adhere to culturally accepted gender behaviors associated with their assigned sex.
• GNC can occur in both cisgender and transgender individuals.

Understanding Transgender Identity

• Transgender individuals identify with a gender outside the expectations of their assigned sex at birth.
• Importance of respecting individual identities and pronouns.
• Transgender identity is distinct from sexual orientation (e.g., being gay or lesbian).

Intersex Identity

• Intersex individuals have variations in sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.
• Intersex is about biological characteristics, while transgender is about gender identity.

Sexual Orientation

• Definition: Refers to the gender(s) a person is attracted to.
• Categories include heterosexual, homosexual (gay/lesbian), bisexual, queer, pansexual, and asexual.
• Sexual orientation is independent of gender identity and expression.

SOJI Framework

• S: Sex (biological)
• O: Sexual Orientation
• G: Gender Identity
• E: Gender Expression
• Encouragement to explore personal SOJI identity in a respectful manner.

Conclusion

• Gender and sexual identities are complex and individual.
• Encouragement to respect and understand people’s unique identities.
• Importance of recognizing the fluidity of gender and sexuality beyond binary definitions.