CHAPTER 8
Towards a Gender-Neutral Society
Sex and Gender
Meaning of Sex
Sex refers to the biological differences between males and females.
It is determined by physical and genetic characteristics.
Biological factors of Sex
Chromosomes (XX for females, XY for males)
Hormones
Genital organs
Physical body structure
Sex is natural and biological.
Meaning of Gender
Gender refers to the social, cultural and psychological roles associated with males and
females.
These roles are created by society and culture.
Example
Pink colour is considered for girls and blue for boys.
Boys are expected to play with guns or cars.
Girls are expected to play with dolls.
These ideas do not have biological reasons; they are created by society.
Gender as a Social Construct
Gender is not biological.
It is created by society through customs, traditions, and social expectations.
This is called a social construct.
Characteristics
Learned through socialisation Changes over time
Different in different cultures
Gender Expectations in Society
Society expects certain behaviours from men and women.
Masculinity
Traits society expects from men:
Strength Not showing emotions
Courage Leadership
Femininity
Traits society expects from women:
Affection Emotional behaviour
Caring nature Softness
These expectations may vary across cultures.
Transgender
Some individuals may have a gender identity different from their biological sex.
Such individuals are called Transgenders.
Example:
A person born male may identify as female.
Difference Between Sex and Gender
Sex Gender
Biological Social and cultural
Determined at birth Learned through society
Based on chromosomes and body structure Based on social roles and expectations
Permanent Can change across cultures and time
Ascribed Status and Achieved Status
Ascribed Status
Status given by birth
Example: Sex
Achieved Status
Status gained through social interaction and learning
Example: Gender roles
Status - Status means the position of an individual in society.
Importance of Status
Determines how a person is treated and perceived in society.
Leads to social classification or stratification.
Social Stratification
Society divides people based on status, wealth, power, and roles.
This creates different levels in society.
Gender Roles, Social Norms and Gender Stereotypes
Meaning of Role
A role is the expected behaviour associated with a status in society.
It tells how a person should behave according to their position.
Example:
A teacher teaches students.
A doctor treats patients.
Gender Roles
Gender roles refer to the societal expectations about how men and women should behave, think,
speak, dress, and act.
These expectations are created by society and culture.
Examples
Men are expected to be breadwinners (earning members).
Women are expected to manage household work.
Men are expected to be strong and brave.
Women are expected to be caring and gentle.
Gender roles often limit individual freedom and [Link] everyone wants to follow
these traditional roles.
Gender and Social Norms
Social Norms - Social norms are unwritten rules of behaviour accepted by [Link] guide
how people should behave in a social group.
Characteristics
Not written as laws.
Followed because society expects it.
Passed from one generation to another.
Examples
Greeting elders
Saying “thank you”
Respecting others
Dressing according to social expectations
Social Evils Related to Social Norms
Some harmful practices were once considered normal social norms in India.
Sati
A cruel practice where a widow was forced to burn herself on her husband’s funeral pyre.
It was later banned by law.
Untouchability
A practice where people from lower castes were treated as inferior.
They were forced to maintain distance from higher castes.
It was also abolished by law.
These practices were later removed through social reform and legislation.
Gender Stereotypes
A gender stereotype is an oversimplified and generalized belief about men and women. People
wrongly assume these qualities are natural or permanent.
Examples
Men are strong and logical.
Women are weak and emotional.
Boys are good at science and maths.
Girls are good at cooking and household work.
These beliefs are not always true.
Stereotype - A stereotype is a social classification of people based on oversimplified
assumptions.
Stereotypes can be based on:
Class Occupation
Caste Language
Religion Gender
Stereotypes often lead to discrimination and inequality.
Media and Gender Stereotypes
Advertisements and media often reinforce gender stereotypes.
Examples
Women are shown promoting beauty products, kitchen items, and cleaning products.
Men are shown promoting cars, technology, or financial services.
Effect - Media strengthens the idea that certain roles belong only to men or women.
Language and Gender Stereotype
Language sometimes reflects gender bias and stereotypes.
Examples
Words like “man” or “citizen” were often used to represent both men and women.
The term “lady doctor” is used, but usually “male doctor” is not used.
This shows that society historically assumed doctors were mostly men.
Why it happens
Many professions were earlier dominated by men.
The language used at that time continued even after society changed.
Effect - Repeated use of such words reinforces gender stereotypes.
Gender-Inclusive Language
To avoid stereotypes, gender-inclusive terms are used.
Examples
Teacher Nurse
Engineer
These words do not indicate whether the person is male or female.
Gender-inclusive language promotes equality and respect for all genders.
Factors that Reinforce Gender Stereotypes
Gender stereotypes are strengthened by many institutions in society.
Important factors
Media Educational institutions
Language Art and literature
Family
These institutions influence how society views men and women.
Gender Differences and Gender Discrimination
Gender roles, norms, and stereotypes create gender differences in society.
Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination means treating people unfairly based on their gender.
It occurs when one gender dominates or suppresses others.
Examples
Unequal job opportunities
Lower wages for women
Social restrictions on certain genders
Gender-Based Violence
Gender discrimination often leads to violence and atrocities.
Examples
Sexual assault Public insults against transgender
Dowry harassment people
Female foeticide Workplace harassment
Such actions create inequality and injustice in society.
Just Society - A just society is one where everyone receives equal social, economic, and
political justice regardless of:
caste gender
religion
“A society is called a just society when every member of it enjoys happiness and welfare.”
Statement by V. R. Krishna Iyer
Historical Struggles Against Gender Discrimination
Upper Cloth Revolt (Marumarakkal Samaram)
Took place in South Travancore in the 19th century.
Women fought for the right to wear upper garments.
Finally, the Travancore government allowed all people to wear clothes of their choice.
Kallumala Uprising (Perinad Revolt)
Women of the Pulaya community were forced to wear stone or broken glass necklaces.
The uprising was led by Ayyankali in Perinad near Kollam.
It protested against caste and gender oppression.
Gender Equality
Gender equality means all genders receive equal rights, opportunities, and respect.
However, gender discrimination is a major obstacle to achieving equality.
Gender in the Constitution of India
The Constitution of India guarantees equality for all genders.
Important Articles
Article Provision
Article 14 Equality of all genders before law
Article 15 No discrimination based on gender
Article 16 Equal opportunity in employment
Article 19(1)(a) Freedom to express gender identity through dress and behaviour
Article 21 Right to dignity, liberty and privacy
Article 51A(e) Duty of citizens to respect the dignity of women
In 2014, the Supreme Court of India recognised gender identity as an important part of an
individual's social status.