relationship between sex and gender
This week’s reading focused on the relationship between sex and gender. We learned that sex and gender are connected such that one’s sex defined their gender. In most societies, those who have women characteristics are referred to as female while those with man features are known to belong to the male category. During the discussion, we defined sex as the biological variations between males and females. It was also noted that these difference mostly occurs in the sexual reproductive organs. Apart from genitalia variations, there are also genetic differences that determine sex. In a broad view, the lectures also addressed unique cases of transsexuals and bisexuals.
Further, gender was analyzed to be a more complex subject. Galliano (2003) note that the attachment of roles and responsibilities to gender provides another different perspective. In most societies today, gender is defined by the tasks and duties assigned to an individual. For example, those who perform domestic roles and easy chores are women. On the other hand, men are noted to be the breadwinners with the sole responsibility of providing to the family. At individuals concept, we acknowledged that sex does not define the type of gender one belong to; instead, it is determined by an individual’s sexual orientation. This gives people the freedom to choose their sexual orientation.
In case sex and gender do not match, the result is bisexuality, transgender and even the drag queens. In such a case, individuals get attracted to the same sex, which breaks societal codes of gender and sexuality. Today, in many communities, homosexuality is still a subject of discussion with a lot of controversial views. In most cases, sex and gender have been used as the only tool to define human diversity which I believe is not right. I think that human diversity involves more than just sex and gender.