Tuesday, March 06, 2007
http://openet.ola.bc.ca/sociglossary/
sex
The biological classification of individuals as males and females. Sociologists would note, however, that even though this is a classification based on biological differences, it is a socially constructed classification.
gender roles
Social roles ascribed to individuals on the basis of their sex. The term gender differs from sex because it refers specifically to the cultural definition of the roles and behavior appropriate to members of each sex rather than to those aspects of human behavior that are determined by biology. Thus, giving birth is a female sex role, while the role of infant nurturer and care giver (which could be performed by a male) is a gender role usually ascribed to females.
The biological classification of individuals as males and females. Sociologists would note, however, that even though this is a classification based on biological differences, it is a socially constructed classification.
gender roles
Social roles ascribed to individuals on the basis of their sex. The term gender differs from sex because it refers specifically to the cultural definition of the roles and behavior appropriate to members of each sex rather than to those aspects of human behavior that are determined by biology. Thus, giving birth is a female sex role, while the role of infant nurturer and care giver (which could be performed by a male) is a gender role usually ascribed to females.
# posted by Anna : 10:44 PM
