Midterm I

Differences in Sex and Gender

Although the terms gender and sex are used interchangeably throughout society, there are definitive differences between the concepts that must be identified. In very brief terms, sex is set by biological aspects, including chromosomes, hormones, and sex organs while gender is the way society interprets these sexual differences. The actual definitions of these terms are much more in depth and controversial, however. In order to make better sense of the differences, three different frameworks will be explored. These will include viewpoints from Kate Bornstein, concepts using social construction, and finally an opposing view from essentialists.

Kate Bornstein is explicitly adamant on the fact that gender and sex should not be intertwined. She blatantly states that sex is simply the act itself. The only aspects that one can define using sex are “how you’d like to do it, and whom (if anyone) you’d like to do it with” (Gender Puzzle, 2). Sex is an extremely straightforward term, while gender has several aspects that should be taken into account. A general term of what she believes gender describes is categorization. The term encompasses aspects such as “assignment”, “role”, “identity”, and “attribution”. This may even include biological factors including hormones and genitals that most people lump into the “sex” category. Therefore, when one speaks of gender they should not be simply speaking in terms of male and female because there are so many gender possibilities that they cannot even all be categorized. Setting gender roles has led to the creation of a male/female dichotomy where many do not find a place. “We need to question our assumptions and that includes our assumptions about sex and gender, if we’re going to understand those aspects of ourselves and others” (Gender Workbook, 4). Bornstein is displeased with the “rules” of gender that are set and asks that people begin to see society as being genderless.

Another ideal that may be used to explain the difference between sex and gender is that of social construction. The theory of social construction suggests that gender is a process that evolves through human interaction and is constantly recreated over time. There is not a “natural”, hard-wired vision of sex or gender. Instead of the terms having selective definitions, there are external influences from society which shape how one perceives gender and sexuality. They should not be defined on simple platforms, but should be understood to change based on an individual’s perceptions. Cultural context changes throughout history and through cultural classes so one needs to understand that these different aspects will have an affect on how people react to gender and sexuality as well. Carol Vance, a major proponent of social construction, states that “…social construction theory strives for uncertainty through questioning assumptions rather than seeking closure…” (Social Construction Theory, pg 31). This means that the meanings of sex and gender are always being examined because the meanings do change over time and in different regions. Another aspect of social construction is that it is a learned process. Judith Lorber explains, “Gendered people emerge not from physiology or sexual orientation but from the exigencies of the social order…Most people go along with their society’s prescriptions for those of their gender status, because the norms and expectations get built into their sense of worth and identity” (Women’s voices, pg 143). Definitions for sex and gender are constantly changing and are reflected by cultural interactions.

In order to fully understand how to interpret gender and sex, one must also inspect a somewhat opposing view from essentialists. Essentialists believe that one’s behavior is independent of place and time; a person acts in a certain manner because he or she was born to operate that way. The foundation of this theory is the belief of biological determination, the belief that biology basically determines all of a person’s behaviors and actions. Behaviors are not set by social interactions as the social construction theory suggests; instead, they are based upon natural, unchanging influences of one’s genes. Our gene’s have a “programmed” sexual preference that reflects outward meanings. Therefore, most of essentialists’ beliefs are based upon concepts of science. Sex is determined by physical traits than can be identified. Since this gender sets a person’s sex, the two terms are usually not differentiated between. Sex and gender are in the same both predetermined by one’s genes.

Sex and gender may seem like simple terms; however, they can be explained in a variety of manners. Kate Bornstein completely separates the ideas of sex and gender and explains that gender has no set definition. The theory of social construction combines the ideas of sex and gender and explains that they are constantly changing based on societal interactions. Finally, essentialists define sex and gender all based upon scientific, biological data. It is up to one’s understanding of these different aspects to understand how to differentiate between sex and gender.

Relationships Between Gender, Science, and Technology

Ideals about one’s gender are made up of many relationships between knowledge, traditions, desires, and beliefs. This same definition translates to the makeup of the science and technological worlds. Just as culture reflects biased so do the science and technological worlds. Since science and technology are more than just physical objects and actually envelope beliefs and traditions, they are able to shape the understanding of gender just as gender shapes the ideas of science and technology

When people think of gender, the usually relate males to being strong, smart, and aggressive, while women are gentle, timid, and introverted. These ideas about gender can shape how we envision science and technology. As demonstrated by the Harvard University President Lawrence H. Summers, many people believe that based on these characteristics men shall thrive in the field of science while women do not (Women's Voices, pg 66). Therefore, it has been seen in high school science classes, that boys are called on in math and science classes more than females. Video games are a main aspect of technology that greatly reflect the ideals of gender. In a game such as Tomb Raider, the leading woman is depicted as an extremely attractive woman who appears to be quite promiscuous. While, male dominated video games such as Halo reflect males as being strong and hardcore. This proves that these gender beliefs are literally being physically depicted in current ideals of science and technology.

Science and technology are also able to shape our understanding of gender. They are not simply sets of physical objects; they are able to express standards that form our understanding of gender. When thinking about technology, knowingly or not, most people relate the topic to men. Many people think of “relatively powerful groups of men developing or controlling key forms of technology” (Technology, pg 143). When a person sees war and new weapons of mass destruction being created they relate this to the masculinity and intelligence of men. Many women may be at the forefront of this technology; however, it is mostly shown to reflect the power of men. Concepts of science also are able to influence the understanding of gender. When describing reproduction, most people are taught that the egg is the dormant partner waiting for the diligent sperm to find its way. This introduces children to the idea that men are dominant over women. This again adds to the masculine characterization that characterizes men.

It is important to study the relationship between gender, science, and technology because they all reflect on each other so intimately. They cannot be viewed individually because they are all dependent on aspects of each other. Science and technology have constantly depicted men as the dominant sex. Unless these relationships are studied, women will never be able to achieve the same significance as men. Understanding these concepts will enable the stigmas and relationships to change.