SEX/GENDER AND THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF DIFFERENCE

Module 2 Dr. Sarah Rainey

Ideology

The myths, beliefs, principles, ideas that a person or culture holds. These ideas are believed to explain “the way things are” (worldview) and how things should be done (common sense).

Dominant ideology

Sex/Gender

Sex: biological/physical (male and female)

Gender: social (masculine and feminine)

Essentialism Biological Determinism

Social Constructionism

Other forms of difference

Sexual Orientation Race Dis/ability Class

Social Construction of Difference Difference only has meaning (bad and

good) in systems of privilege and oppression.

Thus, what counts as “normal” is culturally and historically specific (i.e., changes over time and across cultures).

FEELS “real” and natural, even immutable.

Types of Privilege

“unearned entitlements,” things of value that none of us should have to earn; however, when only certain groups given it, becomes “unearned advantages”

“conferred dominance”—gives on group power over another, not desirable

Male Privilege White Privilege Heterosexual Privilege Nondisabled Privilege

Paradox of Privilege

Experienced by individuals, but privilege is all about categories and groups Privilege conferred based on perception

(not necessarily reality) Systematic versus particular

Individuals and Systems

Socialization “Paths of least resistance” – rewards and

punishments Autonomy within system

Oppression

Double bind