Gender and Society 2022
GENDER and SOCIETY
The Gendered Box Project
Richard Salvador Jimenez, DevEd.D-GC, RGC, RPm
Counseling Specialist, Uganda, East Africa
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
Chapter 1. Understanding Sex and Gender
Lesson 1: Human Sexuality and the Conceptual Distinction of
Sex and Gender
Lesson 2: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
1
UNDERSTANDING
SEX and GENDER
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
Module No. Module Number 1:
and Title UNDERSTANDING SEX AND GENDER
Lesson No. Lesson Number 1:
and Title The Conceptual Distinction of Sex and Gender
Learning Outcomes:
1. define Human Sexuality and its various lens.
2. differentiate sex and gender.
3. compare and contrast the prominent characteristics of sex from gender.
INTRODUCTION
When filling out a document such as a job application or school registration form you are
often asked to provide your name, address, phone number, birth date, and sex or gender. But
have you ever been asked to provide your sex and your gender? As with most people, it may not
have occurred to you that sex and gender are not the same. However, sociologists and most other
social scientists view sex and gender as conceptually distinct (APA, 2008).
The world is gendered. But what is gender by the way? And
how it is related to sex? Or are they really related with each other? Over
the past decades, the significance of the two variables sex and gender
played major roles in changing many landscapes in our society.
The red (left)symbolizes
Venus, for women
depicting the mirror or
The phrase ―sex/gender system,‖ or ―sex/gender/sexuality
distaff of the Roman
goddess of love.
system‖ was coined by Gayle Rubin (1984) to describe, ―the set of
The blue (right) depicts arrangements by which a society transforms biological sexuality into
the male symbol for
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men, Mars. It represents products of human activity.‖
the shield and spear of
the Roman god of war.
We will be exploring sex as a noun in this module.
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
ABSTRACTION
Human Sexuality
The history of human sexuality is as long as human history itself—200,000+ years and
counting (Antón & Swisher, 2004). Some of the earliest recovered artifacts from ancient
cultures are thought to be fertility totems. Human sexuality plays a major role in everyone's life.
Regardless, whether we are young or old, man or woman, it is an integral part of what we do and
who we are (Molina, 1999). The American biologist Alfred Kinsey (1894-1956) is commonly
referred to as the father of human sexuality research. He believed that sexual knowledge was the
product of guesswork and had never really been studied systematically or in an unbiased way.
Human Sexuality from Various Lens
Human sexuality is the way in which we experience and express ourselves as sexual
beings (Rathus et al., 1993). There are many factors that help develop our sexuality,
arguably one of the most important, is our actual gender. Whether, I am a male or
female will likely have a major influence on the development of my individual
sexuality. Furthermore, sexuality is an integral part of our personalities whether we
are aware of it or not.
The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)
defines human sexuality as encompassing the sexual knowledge, beliefs, attitudes
and behaviors of individuals. Its various dimensions include anatomy, physiology
and biochemistry of the sexual response system; identity, orientation roles, and
personality; and thoughts, feelings and relationships. The expression of sexuality is
influenced by ethical, spiritual, cultural and moral concerns (SIECUS, 2012).
The Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health (ASPSH) indicates that
sexuality means many things: feelings about ourselves, roles we play in society and
reproduction. It is not limited to how we behave sexually. It is the total of our 5
physical, emotional and spiritual responses, thoughts and feelings. Sexuality is more
about who we are than about what we do (ASPSH, 2011).
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
The Conceptual Distinction of Sex and Gender.
Both terms are often used interchangeably, despite having the same meanings.
Sex comes from a Latin word sexus which means ―to divide.‖ It is the universal physical
distinction between males and females, including the reproductive system, height, and
muscularity (Diamond, 2000; Money & Hampson, 1955).
Primarily sex is associated with the set of biological and physiological characteristics of an
individual that include chromosomes, level of hormones and their functions and the reproductive
organs.
Sex refers to the biological differences between a male and a female.
Humans have 22 pairs of numbered
chromosomes (autosomes) and one pair of
sex chromosomes (XX or XY), for a total
of 46 (National Human Genome Research
Institute, 2022). Typically, biologically
female individuals have two X
chromosomes (XX) while those who are
biologically male have one X and one Y image source: [Link]
chromosome (XY).
Hormones are chemical
messengers within the body. Men and
women have the same hormones however;
each has varying hormone levels based on
their needs. The primary female sex
hormones are estrogen and progesterone,
which means men‘s primary sex hormone,
image source: [Link]
is testosterone. and-the-brain/ 6
HOW TRUE? Testosterone activates the subcortical areas of the brain to produce aggression, while
cortisol and serotonin act antagonistically with testosterone to reduce its effects (Batrinos, 2012).
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
Sex is also a concrete leveling and differentiation
between the biological males and females, most
often in connection with reproductive functions
(Muehlenhard & Peterson, 2011; Short, Yang, &
Jenkins, 2013). The genital differences between
male and female are the basis of their
characterization whether he/she is a ―boy‖ or ―girl.‖
Contrary to sex, gender has social, cultural
and psychological connotations (Gordon, 2000).
Gender is not something we are born with, and not
image source: [Link]
something we have, but something we do (West and
Zimmerman 1987) – something we perform (Butler
1990).
Gender refers to "the socially constructed
roles, behaviors and expressions between groups of
women and men. Gender is largely based on society
and culture. ―Gender is the way society creates,
patterns, and rewards our understandings of
femininity and masculinity‖ (Shaw & Lee, 2012,
p.105). In other words, society dictates what are
considered ―acceptable‖ behaviors, jobs, appearances,
and beyond for women and men. Gender is a
performance of mannerisms, ideas, and behaviors that
we act out daily – most often subconsciously –
image source: [Link]
because it is what society has taught us to do.
Gender includes norms, behaviors and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or
boy, as well as relationships with each other. As a social construct, gender varies from society to
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society and can change over time (WHO, 2022). Gender interacts with but is different from sex,
which refers to the different biological and physiological characteristics of females, males and
intersex people, such as chromosomes, hormones and reproductive organs.
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
Gender is socially constructed. Gender includes norms, behaviors and roles associated with being a
woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other. As a social construct, gender
varies from society to society and can change over time (WHO, 2022). Gender interacts with but is
different from sex, which refers to the different biological and physiological characteristics of
females, males and intersex people, such as chromosomes, hormones and reproductive organs.
Gender is institutionalized in the society. It varies from society to society and can be changed.
MALE FEMALE
Penis Vagina
Vas deferens, scrotum, testicles Ovary, uterus, ovum, fallopian tube
Sperm cell Egg cell
Testosterone Progesterone, Estrogen
XY Chromosome XX Chromosome
SEX GENDER
Did you know?
What makes one female or female What makes one feminine or
masculine
“Sworn virgins” have
existed for centuries. Biologically determined Socially determined and culturally
“Sworn Virgins”
(burrneshas in
defined
Albanian) are Physical characteristics A learned behavior
Albanian women who
decide to ignore their Relatively constant across time
female identity and Changes across time and culture
live as men in the
Constant across culture
Balkans.
The decision to live as
men is more related to
gender roles in the Congratulations
Albanian
rather than
culture
a
for finishing Lesson One.
statement of sexuality; I will be your guide so you
these women live their
lives appearing as
can pleasantly explore
men. Becoming a Lesson Two..!
sworn virgin elevated
a woman to the status
of a man and granted
her all the rights and
privileges of the male
population (Denis,
2012).
Gender consists of two
components – our
internal sense of gender 8
(our gender identity),
and how we express our
gender or present
ourselves to the world
(Beyond Blue, 2022).
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
Module No. Module Number 1:
and Title UNDERSTANDING SEX AND GENDER
Lesson No. Lesson Number 2:
and Title Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression
Learning Outcomes:
1. define sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
2. expand understanding of the complex nature of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender
expression.
3. discuss the role of social construct in influencing gender.
INTRODUCTION
Oh wait! Before we turn the pages of this module, take a time helping that little guy
down there with his not to easy and not so difficult query. Do you have any idea how many
genders are out there? He would be very glad if you could help him count.
Oh wait! Before we turn the pages of this module,
How many take a time helping the little guy with his not to easy and
genders are not so difficult query. Do you have any idea how many
there?
genders are out there? He would be very glad if you could
help him find out.
Gender awareness is necessary because no one is ever
completely able to ‗step outside‘ of the social and cultural processes
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that partly shape our identities, values and perceptions, but we can
still develop ways of reflecting and ways of interrogating ourselves
(Conseil De L‘Europe, 2022).
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
ABSTRACTION
Sexual Orientation
Sexual Orientation is a term used to refer to a person's pattern of emotional, romantic, and
sexual attraction to people of a particular (Nazario, 2020). Sexual orientation is about our physical,
emotional and/or romantic attractions to others. Essentially, there are three basic types of sexual
orientations (Unitarian Universalism, 2015) namely: monosexual, polysexual, and asexual.
1. Monosexual Sexual Orientations. To be monosexual means to be sexually and/or
romantically attracted to only one sex or gender. Some people are exclusively attracted to
members of only one gender. Sexual orientation labels used by people of the same sex
include: Gender consists of two
components – our
internal sense
Gay- Generally of gender
refers to a man who is attracted to men. Sometimes refers to all
(our gender identity),
andare
people who howattracted
we expressto ourpeople of the same sex.
gender or present
ourselves to the world
Lesbian-(Beyond
A woman who is attracted to women. Sometimes also or alternately "same
Blue, 2022).
gender-loving woman" or "woman loving woman."
Straight- Refers to a man or a woman who is exclusively attracted to a woman or a
man. Alternately referred to as ―heterosexual.‖
Monosexuality is the belief that heterosexuality and/or homosexuality are more legitimate sexual
orientations than bisexual or other non-monosexual orientations (LGBTQ, 2022).
2. Polysexual Sexual Orientations. Some people are attracted to members of multiple
genders. Sexual orientation labels used by polysexual people include:
Bisexual- Attracted to people of one's own gender and people of other gender(s) often
referred to as "bi".
Pansexual- Someone who is attracted – either emotionally, physically or both – to all
genders. It comes from the Greek root ―pan,‖ meaning ―all.‖
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Queer- This is an umbrella term to refer to all LGBTQ+ people. A non-binary term
used by individuals seeing their sexual orientation and or gender identity as fluid.
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
3. Asexual Sexual Orientation. A term used to describe someone who does not
experience sexual attraction toward individuals of any gender, and is different from
celibacy. An asexual individual may choose to engage in sexual behaviors even while not
experiencing sexual attraction.
The genderbread person was developed by Sam
Killerman, who argues that gender identity incorporates not
only one‘s biological sex, but also one‘s sexuality, one‘s
sense of social-identity and how one feels about one‘s self –
gender identity is thus fluid and complex, rather than static
Gender is a concept that can be broken down into
three categories: gender identity, gender expression, and
physical sex. Gender is not fixed as it can change over time
and across cultures.
Gender Identity
Gender identity is your deeply-held inner feelings of whether you‘re female or male,
both, or neither. Your gender identity isn‘t seen by others (Alberta, 2022). Gender identity may
be the same as the sex you were assigned at birth (cisgender) or not (transgender). How
individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves comprises gender identity.
Gender identity has multiple definitions from various prominent personalities.
1. Kohlberg (1996) saw it as the cognitive self-categorization as boy or girl.
2. Fagot and Leinbach (1985) considered it the concept of the self as male or female.
3. Newman (2012) defined it as an individual‘s sense of him or herself as biologically,
psychologically, or socially male or female.
4. Gender identity refers to how one understands and experiences one‘s own gender. It
involves a person‘s psychological sense of being male, female, or neither (APA, 2012).
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Gender identity is not outwardly visible to others as it is the person‘s internal sense
of being male, female, or something else unlike Gender Expression.
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
Gender Expression
Gender expression is how a
person presents gender outwardly,
through behavior, clothing, voice or other
perceived characteristics. Society
identifies these cues as masculine or
feminine, although what is considered
masculine or feminine changes over time
and varies by culture (Wamsley, 2021). It
is how you choose to express your gender
identity through your name, pronouns,
clothing, hair style, make-up, body
language, voice, or body features. A
person‘s chosen name and pronoun are
also common ways of expressing gender.
Importance of USING UMBRELLA Terms
―Umbrella terms‖ are words that are used to describe a large range of concepts or
experiences in simplified terms. Umbrella terms are an often imperfect but helpful solution to
trying to talk about a wide range of experiences that are closely related in some ways, but very
different in others (TransHub, 2021).
Transgender People’s Common Self-identity
Transgender is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity, gender
expression or behavior does not conform to that typically associated with the sex to
which they were assigned at birth. A transgender woman lives as a woman today, but was
thought to be male when she was born. A transgender man lives as a man today, but was
thought to be female when he was born. Some transgender people identify as neither male 12
nor female, or as a combination of male and female. Transgender is an umbrella term that
covers numerous possible gender identities (Nearmy, 2010).
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
The following are some identities that fall under the transgender umbrella:
Drag Queen- A male who dresses up in women‘s clothing typically for public
performance. Drag queens are primarily gay males although the community does
not exclude men who identity as heterosexual. Not all drag queens perform in
drag some "came to drag as part of their work and continue to see it as primarily
as a job" (Rupp & Taylor 40).
Drag King- A person and especially a woman who dresses as a man and performs
as an entertainer in male drag.
Important reminder: Don‘t assume that someone in drag is transgender, Drag performers are artists and
entertainers, so being in drag is not an integral part of their identity in the same way that gender is (NCTE, 2022).
Taking on a drag persona can also be a stage in a transgender person‘s gender transition (Nearmy, 2022).
Butch- Typically a lesbian with a more masculine-leaning style (Exton, 2020) -
such as dressing like a man, having short hair and being dominant in relationships
that many people in society consider "masculine".
Femme- A feminine looking lesbian women whose appearance and behavior are
seen as traditionally feminine.
Transsexual- Individuals whose designated sex at birth does not match their
personal sex/body identity and who, through sex reassignment surgery and
hormone treatments, may seek to change their physical body to match their
gender identity. Transexuals can be male-to-female (MTF) or female-to-male
(FTM).
Crossdressers - Is a person who dresses (fully or partially) as a member of
a gender that is not aligned with their assigned sex. Crossdressing is an act
of gender expression, and thus not an indicator of a person‘s sexual
orientation or gender identity (Teo, 2021)
Drag is historically based on cross-dressing (Nissim, 2018). Transvestite is a term for a cross-
dresser that is considered derogatory (Letellier, 2022)
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FTM- Female-to-male. Is a transgender individual who was originally assigned
the sex of female at birth but, has claimed a male identity through clothing,
surgery, hormones and attitude changes (GSafe).
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
MTF- Male-to-female. Is a transgender individual who was originally assigned
the sex or male at birth but, has claimed a female identity through clothing,
surgery, hormones and attitude changes (GSafe).
Intersex- A general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is
born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn‘t seem to fit the typical
definitions of female or male (ISNA, 2008).
Is a person who is intersex a hermaphrodite?
Answer: No. The mythological term ―hermaphrodite‖ implies that a person is both fully male and fully
female. This is a physiologic impossibility (ISNSA, 2008).
Some Helpful Definitions
Cisgender: A term for people whose gender identity generally
matches the gender assigned for their physical sex. In other
words, someone who does not identify as transgender. The
word is derived from the Latin root ―cis‖ meaning on this side
(Smith, 2018).
Hir: A non-gender specific pronoun used instead of ―her‖ and
―him.‖
Transition: An individualized process in which transgender
people move from living aligned with the sex they were
assigned at birth to living aligned with their gender identity.
There are three general aspects to transitioning: social (e.g.,
presentation, relationships, employment, names/pronouns);
medical (e.g., hormones, surgery, mental health) and legal
(e.g., changing gender marker and name on legal documents
and identification). Each person‘s transition path is unique
(Smith, 2018).
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The power of language to shape our perceptions of other people is immense. Precise use of terms in regards
to gender can have a significant impact on demystifying many of the misconceptions
associated with gender. Language is constantly changing- gsafe
Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm
Gender and Society 2022
What if I don’t
want to be
labeled?
It is okay if you
don’t want to
be labeled.
Remember that terminology around sexual orientation and gender identity changes frequently, as
language evolves.
How many
genders are
there?
There is no
definitive answer
to this question.
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Dr. RICHARD SALVADOR JIMENEZ, RGC, RPm