Gender and Society Notes

Module 1 Sex, Gender, and Sexuality

Overview
Many are still are confused about what is meant to be a male or a female, feminine or masculine,
or to be a man or a woman. Understanding the complexities of defining and differentiating sex,
gender, and sexuality is essential in discussing gender and sexuality.
This module's ultimate goal is to help you understand the concept of sex, gender, and sexuality.
It will also explain the differences between these concepts to reflect on your sexuality and
appreciate the realities of sexual diversity.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Differentiate gender from sexuality;
2. Discuss the implication of these differences; and
3. Contemplate your sexuality and the importance of appreciating sexual diversity.

1.1. The difference between sex and gender

People often encounter documents where they will indicate their personal information, including
their sex. From school registration form to work-related documents, one is usually asked to
provide sex and not gender. Why is that so? Is it not sex the same with gender?
Historically speaking, the term "sex" and "gender " were used interchangeably. However, over
time, the uses of these terms became distinct from each other. Sex is determined by biology and
does not necessarily correspond with gender.
Sex refers to physical or physiological differences between males and females (Little &
McGivern, 2012). It pertains to one’s identity based on his sexual anatomy and reproductive
organs. Generally, sex is assigned at birth. A child with a penis is categorized as male, while a
child with a vagina is a female. In addition to examining the genitals in distinguishing a male and
female, biological markers, like the sex chromosomes, also determine the biological sex of a
male and a female.
On the other hand, gender is a term that refers to social or cultural distinctions associated with
being male or female females (Little & McGivern, 2012). There are expectations attached to
genders, which identifies between a male and female." Males are typically expected to be
masculine, and females are expected to be feminine" (Peralta et al., 2019). Also, gender
manifestations include color, toys, clothes, and others assigned to males and females.

Ꙭ READ: Sex and Gender: What is the difference? By Tim Newman at

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363. OR
WATCH Sex vs. Gender vs. Orientation by Psych2Go at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=2yM_P6WdRJU&t=135s.

1.2. Gender Identity

Concerning the concept of gender, one's perception of who they were: a man, a woman, neither,
or both is crucial in understanding anyone's gender identity. Gender identity refers to the
conception of oneself as a male or female. It is the outward manifestation of a person, whether
it is masculine or feminine.

There are instances when a person's biological sex does not align with one's gender identity.
These people are often referred to as transgender. A male who is not comfortable identifying as
a man is a transgender man. A woman who does not feel comfortable identifying as a woman is
called a transgender woman.
 Ꙭ READ: Gender Identity Development in Children by Jason Rafferty at
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Gender-Identity-and-
Gender-Confusion-In-Children.aspx.
____________________________________

1.3. Sexual Orientation

Another aspect of our gender pertains to our emotional and sexual attraction that a person
feels towards another person. This refers to our sexual orientation. Sexual orientation
describes sexual, romantic, and emotional attraction patterns – and one's sense of identity-based
on those attractions.

There are several types of sexual orientation (Peralta et al., 2019).

 People who are attracted to the opposite sex are called “heterosexuals” or “straight.”
 People who are attracted to people of the same sex are called “homosexuals,” “gay,” or
“lesbian.”
 “Bisexual” or “bi” people are attracted to both sexes, male or female.
 LGBT refers to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Ꙭ WATCH: The Diversity of Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation by Eric of Strong
Medicine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yM_P6WdRJU&t=135s.
____________________________________

1.4. Appreciating Diversity

Sexuality is complex. Various factors shaped one's sexuality. Mostly, a person's sexuality starts
in childhood and continues to develop as the person grew up. However, culture and religion play
a significant part in the complexity of the concept of sexuality. For straight individuals, they do
not have a problem in identifying their sexuality. That is not the case for lesbian, bi, gay, or
transgender. "Coming out" as transgender is never easy for most people. Their culture or religion
perceived it as taboo or unacceptable. Others see transgender people as a deviant who does not
conform to society's norms, which puts many transgender in a difficult position.

Unless a person is "out" about his or her sexuality, others will only know the sexuality of a
person if that person shares with him or her. Sharing one's sexuality to others can be both
awkward and challenging for many. The fear of not being accepted and condemned is common
for people who are not straight. As some of them experienced harassment or violence, the call for
appreciating diversity and acceptance that other sexualities have been raised in various rallies
and demonstrations. In a society that promotes equality, it must offer an inclusive environment
where everyone feels safe.

References
Little, W. & McGivern, R. (2012). Chapter 12 – Gender, Sex, and Sexuality (Introduction to
Sociology – 1st Canadian Ed.) Retrieved from
https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontosociology/chapter/chapter12-gender-sex-and-
sexuality/
Newman, T. (2018, February 7). Sex and gender: What is the difference? Retrieved from
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232363#gender-identity-and-expression.
Peralta, E. P., Botor, N. J., & Laude, T. M. (2019). Gender and Society: A Human Ecological
Approach. Manila, Philippines: Rex Bookstore, Inc.
Strong Medicine. (2017, October 3) The Diversity of Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation.
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=2yM_P6WdRJU&t=135s.
Psych2Go (2018, June 28) Sex vs. Gender vs. Orientation. [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yM_P6WdRJU&t=135s.
Rafferty, J. (2018, September 18). Gender Identity Development in Children. Retrieved from
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Gender-Identity-
and-Gender-Confusion-In-Children.aspx.