Question 1

Which of the following is an example of "doing gender"?

Accepted Answer

Choosing to wear a dress is an example of "doing gender" as it is a socially constructed expectation for women to wear dresses and for men to wear pants.

Question 2

How does the idea of "doing gender" differ from biological essentialism?

Accepted Answer

"Doing gender" theory argues that gender is not innate or biologically determined, but rather a social construct that individuals actively perform through their actions and behaviors. Biological essentialism, on the other hand, posits that gender is determined by biological sex and is therefore innate and unchangeable.

Question 3

Some critics argue that women are not fit to be in leadership positions because of their gender. Which perspective are these critics exemplifying?

Accepted Answer

The critics are exemplifying biological essentialism, which is the belief that certain characteristics or behaviors are inherent in biological differences between males and females. This perspective assumes that women are naturally inferior to men in leadership positions because of their gender, which is a common argument used to conserve traditional gender roles and maintain male dominance in society.

Question 4

Theorists who believe in the social construction of gender:

Accepted Answer

Theorists who believe in the social construction of gender argue that both gender and sex are socially constructed, meaning that they are shaped by societal expectations and norms rather than solely determined by biology. However, this does not necessarily mean that they deny the biological differences between males and females.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of aggression that is consistent with female gender role socialization?

Accepted Answer

Perpetuating malicious gossip is consistent with female gender role socialization, as it involves indirect aggression that is often used by females as a means of social competition and sabotage. Headlocks, threatening gun violence, and fist fighting are more commonly associated with male gender role socialization and are not consistent with traditional female gender roles.

Question 6

Theories of natural difference are often grounded in:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Theories of natural difference are often grounded...

Question 7

According to your textbook, why are sociologists interested in understanding gender from an intersectional perspective?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists recognize that gender alone does not shape our experiences. They understand that race, class, and other social categories intersect with gender to shape our lives and experiences. Therefore, an intersectional perspective is important in understanding the complexity of gender and its effects.

Question 8

Researchers have found that boys are responded to positively when they act in masculine ways, but when they act in feminine ways, they are either admonished or ignored. This finding provides the most support for which approach to gender?

Accepted Answer

The finding that boys are responded to positively when they act in masculine ways and negatively when they act in feminine ways is a strong example of the gender socialization approach, which emphasizes the role of cultural norms and expectations in shaping gender identity and behavior. This approach suggests that children learn gender roles through socialization processes, including observation, reinforcement, and punishment, from parents, peers, and the larger societal context. The biological approach emphasizes the role of biological factors, such as hormones and brain differences, in shaping gender differences. The economic reductionist approach focuses on economic factors, such as the division of labor and the wage gap, in shaping gender inequality. The social position approach emphasizes the importance of social status and power in shaping gender relations and inequality.

Question 9

Hilda is a British sociologist who studies gender. She researches the day-to-day lives of female garment workers in Cambodia and concludes that the challenges facing working-class Cambodian women are very different from the challenges facing women in wealthy Western nations. Hilda's research underscores the importance of:

Accepted Answer

Hilda's research highlights the concept of intersectionality, which recognizes that individuals belong to multiple identity categories and that their experiences are shaped by the intersection of these categories, such as race, class, gender, and sexuality. It is crucial for understanding the unique challenges and experiences of marginalized communities, such as working-class Cambodian women. None of the other options (white supremacy, liberal feminism, biological essentialism) are relevant or supported by Hilda's research.

Question 10

How would a sociologist explain the existence of gender inequality in modern society?

Accepted Answer

A sociologist would argue that gender inequality exists in modern society because men and women's activities are valued differently. This can be seen in the wage gap, where women are paid less than men for the same work, and in the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Sociologists would also point to cultural and societal expectations around gender roles and gender stereotypes that contribute to the devaluation and marginalization of women in many aspects of society.

Question 11

Which of the following statements best explains the role of biology in describing the behavior patterns of men and women?

Accepted Answer

Nearly a century of research fails to identify the physiological and biological origins of the behavior patterns of men and women.

Question 12

________ refers to physical differences of the body between males and females.

Accepted Answer

Sex refers to the physical differences of the body between males and females, such as reproductive organs and genetic makeup. Gender refers to societal expectations and roles assigned to individuals based on their sex, while sexuality refers to sexual attraction and behaviors. Genetics plays a role in determining an individual's sex, but is not synonymous with the term itself.

Question 13

Which of the following statements concerning Afghanistan and the bacha posh, daughters transformed into sons, is true?

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. According to the article, "in most cases, when the child hits puberty, she returns to womanhood." The other statements are either not mentioned or are contradicted by information in the article. For example, the article notes that families with only daughters often experience shame and pity, not families with only sons.

Question 14

According to the textbook, in Navajo culture, the nádleehí, male-bodied people with feminine natures:

Accepted Answer

In Navajo culture, the nádleehí are considered especially honorable and are often considered to have special spiritual gifts. They are regarded as mediators, able to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual worlds, and are respected members of the community.

Question 15

How does patriarchy, or male dominance in society, take shape across the world?

Accepted Answer

While male dominance is present in most societies to some degree, the extent of patriarchy can vary. Some cultures may have more rigid gender roles and limited opportunities for women, while others may have more equality and opportunities for both genders. It is important to recognize that patriarchy is a global issue that affects people of all genders, but the ways in which it manifests can differ by region and culture.

Question 16

________ refers to the psychological, social, and cultural differences between women and men.

Accepted Answer

Gender refers to the differences in behaviors, roles, expectations, and activities that are associated with being male or female, and are influenced by psychological, social, and cultural factors. Sex refers to the biological differences between males and females. Sexuality refers to a person's sexual orientation. Genetics refers to the inherited traits and characteristics that are passed down from one generation to the next.

Question 17

Variations in gender roles across cultures demonstrate that:

Accepted Answer

Variations in gender roles across cultures suggest that these roles are not biologically determined, but rather shaped by social and cultural factors. If gender roles were purely biologically determined, they would be consistent across cultures, but this is not the case. Instead, we see different expectations and norms for men and women in different societies, which suggests that gender roles are socially constructed.

Question 18

In the United States, men generally have more status, power, and prestige than women. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment and opportunities that individuals face because of their gender. In the United States, women have historically faced discrimination and barriers to social, economic, and political power and status, which results in men generally having more status, power, and prestige. Gender conformity refers to the adherence to societal expectations and norms associated with one's gender, while matriarchy refers to a social system in which women hold the primary power and authority. Masculinity refers to socially constructed expectations and norms associated with male gender roles.

Question 19

Which of the following statements best describes the daily lives of !Kung of the Kalahari Desert?

Accepted Answer

The !Kung men engage in child care and gathering while the women typically hunt or forage for other food sources. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 20

Kai, a boy born in Georgia, is likely to be treated a specific way because of his gender starting at what age?

Accepted Answer

Gender stereotypes and expectations start to influence how children are treated from a very young age, often within minutes of their birth, based on their external sex characteristics.

Quiz 9: Gender Inequality