Question 1

When one preschooler told another that "anybody can have a penis, only girls wear barrettes," the former child was

Accepted Answer

The preschooler is revealing how meaningful gender performance is, indicating a belief in rigid gender norms that associate certain behaviors and appearances with specific genders, regardless of one's biological sex.

Question 2

If men and women aren't naturally opposite, then why do they act so differently so much of the time?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If men and women aren't naturally opposite,...

Question 3

Why do men and women act so differently so often if gender differences aren´t biological predispositions? If a man really can "pass" as a woman or a woman as a man, why is this kind of transgender performance so rare?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why do men and women act so...

Question 4

Use an example of a back-and-forth interaction between two individuals to distinguish among (a) gender policing, (b) giving accounts for breaking gender rules, (c) resisting gender policing, and (d) anticipatory gender self-policing. Clearly label each piece of the interaction you describe (real or imaginary) with the appropriate term for what their words/actions represent.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Use an example of a back-and-forth interaction...

Question 5

Rebellion against gender rules will have what character?

Accepted Answer

Rebellion against gender rules will only be recognizable as such if the rule breaker doesn't provide justifications or explanations for their rule-breaking behavior. If they provide a reason for breaking the rules, then it may be seen as within the realm of acceptable behavior. Therefore, the character of rebellion against gender rules will depend on whether the individual provides justification for their behavior or not.

Question 6

Provide an example of two strongly contrasting gender performances by women (or by men), both of which American culture defines as fully acceptable and following gender rules adequately, but which seem to be the reverse of each other. Explain how such divergent roles can exist if there are gender rules that people are following.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Provide an example of two strongly contrasting...

Question 7

How do gender performances that are explicit and exaggerated about flouting gender rules (as in drag shows or Halloween costumes) relate to the gender binary? In what ways do they support and/or subvert and/or ignore the gender rules of daily life?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How do gender performances that are explicit...

Question 8

Which of the following is a conclusion offered in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

Accounts we give for breaking gender rules make it seem like everyone agrees with them, even when they don't conform.

Quiz 4: Performance