Gender¶
This lesson focuses on the processes involved in constructing the meanings of genders and sexualities and the real consequences of gender and sexual inequality. Gender and sexuality are often portrayed as part of our biological inheritance, unchanging, and unchangeable. Sociologists see sex, gender, sexual orientation, and trans identities are status categories that structure social inequality and shape individual identities. We all experience their overlap in our everyday lives. A sociological perspective allows us to see the cultural and environmental influences on what may be considered biologically based identities and lets us identify and critique the stratification systems that have resulted from these influences.
Learning Objectives¶
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Understand central concepts in the sociology of gender and sexuality and how major sociological perspectives view gender and sexuality.
Describe major sources of gender socialization and the impact of gender and sexuality on life chances.
Deadlines¶
Be sure to hand these in before the deadline
InQuizitive Chapter Set 9 (Thursday at 9:30am)
Cohabit Case Study (Sunday at 10:00pm)
Chisholm ‘72 reflection (Sunday at 11:55pm)
Discuss (Thursday during class):¶
Chisholm ‘72: Unbought & Unbossed¶
Recalling a watershed event in US politics, this Peabody Award-winning documentary takes an in-depth look at the 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to Congress and the first to seek nomination for the highest office in the land. Shunned by the political establishment and the media, this longtime champion of marginalized Americans asked for support from people of color, women, gays, and young people newly empowered to vote at the age of 18. Chisholm’s bid for an equal place on the presidential dais generated strong, even racist opposition. Yet her challenge to the status quo and her message about exercising the right to vote struck many as progressive and positive.. Kanopy
We will use the documentary film Chisholm ‘72: Unbought & Unbossed as an opportunity to explore the sociology of gender. We will watch it together during class.
Be sure to have the movie ready to go at the start of class. It is available through UNC library.
Questions¶
If you have any questions at all about what you are supposed to do on this lesson, please remember I am here to help. Reach out any time so I can support your success.
Post it in the Slack #questions channel!
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Email me or your TA.
Lesson Keywords¶
sex
gender
essentialists
constructionist
gender binary
gender identity
cisgender & transgender
gender expression
sexual orientations or identities
gender role socialization
heteronormativity
rape culture
institutions for gender socialization
microaggression
Gender, sexuality, and life chances
feminization of poverty
