IntroductiontoCulturalAnthropologyGenderDynamics.pptVIP

Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Gender Dynamics GENDER Know the difference between sex and gender and why gender is a cultural construction (gender roles vs. gender stereotypes The nature of gender relations in different societies How homosexual intercourse functions and is sanctioned in particular local social contexts. How sexualities and gender vary across cultures. Understand the relationship between patriarchy and violence against women How industrialism has affected gender The cultural /social construction of gender Sex refers to biological differences (ex. penis, vagina, breasts, etc) Gender refers to the cultural construction of male and female characteristics. Bororo Male Dancers Key Terms Gender roles: the tasks and activities that a culture assigns to the sexes (ex. “man the hunter and woman the gatherer”) Gender stereotypes： oversimplified but strongly held ideas of the characteristics of men and women. “Frailty, thy name is woman!” (Hamlet) Gender stratification describes an unequal distribution of rewards (socially valued resources, power, prestige, and personal freedom) between men and women, reflecting their different positions in social hierarchy. Recurrent Gender Patterns Cross-culturally the subsistence contributions of men and women are roughly equal. In domestic activities, female labor dominates, while in extradomestic activities, male labor dominates. Women are the primary caregivers, but men often play a role. Sexual Orientation and GENDER All human activities, including sexual preferences, are to some extent learned and malleable. Sexual orientation refers to a person’s habitual sexual attractions and activities: Heterosexuality refers to the sexual preference for members of the opposite sex. Homosexuality refers to the sexual preference for members of the same sex. Bisexuality refers to the sexual preference for members of both sexes. Asexuality refers to indifference toward or lack of attraction to either sex. Cult