Question 1

According to the text, adults observing "a boy" described his reaction to a strange toy as "pleasure" or "excitement"; those told they were observing "a girl" described her reaction as "fearful." What sociological phenomenon is illustrated by this difference?

Accepted Answer

The difference in perception of the child's reaction based on their gender illustrates the sociological phenomenon of gendered perceptions, where societal norms and expectations affect the way individuals perceive and interpret behaviors based on the gender of the individual.

Question 2

According to the text, which of the following was NOT part of the patriarchal tendencies found in the Canadian Census?

Accepted Answer

The text does not mention children being listed only on their father's form as a patriarchal tendency in the Canadian Census.

Question 3

When Chris was born, the doctors were unable to confirm whether the child was male or female. According to the text, what term would appropriately label the child?

Accepted Answer

The term "intersexed" is used to describe a person born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.

Question 4

Ana wanted to go to medical school to be a doctor, but she decided to go into nursing instead because it's more common for women to be nurses. According to the text, Ana's career choice is an example of what reality in today's workforce?

Accepted Answer

Ana's decision to choose nursing over medical school due to gender norms and expectations highlights the existence of gender-segregated occupations in today's workforce.

Question 5

Which theory argues that earlier theory relegated lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered women; women of colour; working-class and poor women; and women of the developing world to the margins?

Accepted Answer

Third-wave feminism argues that earlier theories, including liberal feminism, relegated certain groups of women such as lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered women; women of colour; working-class and poor women; and women of the developing world to the margins. Third-wave feminism seeks to address and include the experiences and perspectives of these marginalized groups. Postmodernism and interactionist theory are not specifically focused on issues related to gender and feminism.

Question 6

What term do sociologists use to describe the disparity between earnings for men and women?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists use the term "wage gap" to describe the disparity between earnings for men and women, which refers to the differences in pay that exist between male and female workers. This term is used to draw attention to the fact that women are often paid less than men for doing the same job, or for work that is of equal value.

Question 7

According to the text, why do teachers tend to interact more with boys than girls?

Accepted Answer

Teachers may interact more with boys than girls to maintain order in the classroom, as boys might be perceived as requiring more discipline or guidance to stay focused or behave appropriately.

Question 8

According to the text, what does the broader acceptance of bisexuality indicate about our society?

Accepted Answer

The broader acceptance of bisexuality indicates a greater recognition of the spectrum of sexuality, which means that society is starting to acknowledge that sexuality is not simply limited to heterosexual or homosexual orientations. This recognition allows for more inclusivity and understanding of diverse sexual identities.

Question 9

According to the text, who are the transgendered?

Accepted Answer

The text defines transgendered individuals as those who feel that their gender identity does not match the gender they were assigned at birth and who may seek to transition to the gender that aligns with their identity.

Question 10

Abdul was teased by his male friends when he accepted a job as an administrative assistant for a female lawyer, but Jade took a similar job and she was not teased. According to the text, why was Abdul teased so much for taking the job?

Accepted Answer

Abdul was teased because societal norms often impose stricter expectations on men regarding gender roles, leading to ridicule when they take on roles traditionally associated with women.

Question 11

Mary puts on some lingerie at 2 p.m. and goes to find her husband downstairs watching television. Without saying a word, he turns off the television, kisses her, and they go to the bedroom. Which term is used by sociologist to explain their actions?

Accepted Answer

Sexual scripts refer to the predetermined, culturally influenced ideas of how sexual encounters should play out. In this scenario, the husband and Mary's actions fit the script of putting on lingerie as a signal for intimacy and going to the bedroom without any words.

Question 12

Which feminist perspective questions the very notion of gender?

Accepted Answer

Postmodern feminism questions the very notion of gender, arguing that it is a social construction rather than a biological determinism. It emphasizes the diversity of experiences and identities that fall under the umbrella term of "woman" and aims to deconstruct traditional gender binaries.

Question 13

Which phrase is represented by the acronym DSD?

Accepted Answer

DSD stands for disorder of sexual development, which refers to a group of medical conditions that affect the development of the reproductive system.

Question 14

According to the text, which term applies to the biological differences between females and males?

Accepted Answer

The term "sex" refers to the biological differences between females and males, such as reproductive organs, hormones, and chromosomes.

Question 15

Frances was born female, but has always thought of herself as a male. She started to dress as a male, cut her hair, and insisted on being called Frank. Which sociological term is used to identify Frank?

Accepted Answer

The term "transgendered" is used to describe individuals who identify with a gender that is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This applies to Frank, who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male. The term "transsexual" specifically refers to individuals who have undergone medical interventions to transition to their identified gender, which is not specified in the given information. The terms "mixed gendered" and "cross-gendered" are not commonly used or recognized in sociological literature.

Question 16

How do women's hourly wages today compare to that of men's?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do women's hourly wages today compare...

Question 17

According to the text, what influences or shapes sexual behaviour?

Accepted Answer

The text states that sexual behavior is "largely influenced by social factors." While nature and biology may play a role, the text emphasizes the importance of cultural and societal influences in shaping sexual behavior. The idea that sexual behavior is only shaped by marriage is not mentioned in the text.

Question 18

John's appearance mirrors the stereotype of female beauty (e.g., makeup, well-groomed hair etc.), and he acts in culturally feminine ways, including wearing dresses. What term best describes John?

Accepted Answer

John's appearance and behavior do not align with traditional male gender norms, indicating that he identifies as a gender other than male. Transgender is the term used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Question 19

In a sociology class, a study group was given the task of listing advantages that accrued to be being born either a girl or a boy. While it was relatively easy to answer the question relative to being born a boy, it was harder to find benefits to being born a girl. Identify one of the advantages of being born a girl as noted in the text.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a sociology class, a study group...

Question 20

Margo and Martin are twins who have both enrolled in university. Standardized mathematics tests revealed that Margo consistently performed better than Martin. However, when choosing their majors, Martin chose engineering while Margo chose to pursue a degree in History. The twins made their decisions in response to stereotypes that family and teachers upheld about the intellectual differences between males and females. According to your text, what kind of stereotype is reflected in the twins' choices?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Margo and Martin are twins who have...

Quiz 7: Sex, Gender, and Sexualities: Deconstructing Dualisms