Key Definition Gender is the phenomena of sexuality at different levels such as individual, social, psychological, legal and even

economic perspectives. Thus gender studies is a field that encompasses all these disciplines to derive concepts relating to the applications of gender difference and gender based behavior

Sex and gender' may sound the same. However, they are different since sex is the physiological distinction while gender is the sexuality of the individual
The concept of social identification to the interactions between the opposite sexuality are analyzed for the purpose of greater understanding of the human race in general Terms such as equality, womens rights, gender based crime or discrimination, etc; are closely associated and belong to this academic discipline

Key Term Definitions

Term Definition and Functions This is the basic demarcation of the biological identification Sex Gender Relations The interaction between opposite genders. This is considered a social construct than a biological reaction Restriction on access to resources based on the gender difference Inequality The magnitude of disparities between the two genders in different socioGender Gap economic events Gender Analysis The process of determining the gender gap and issues arising out of it Gender Identity The question of sexuality and the exact psychological ratio of the gender characteristics of each individual Gender Issues The social opportunities, challenges and constraints affecting both genders

Key Term Definitions Contd.,

Term Definition and Functions Sexual dimorphism The biological difference between male and female physiology other than the primary and secondary sexual differences E.g.: Height, Weight The commonly assigned tasks to each gender by the society Gender Roles Oversimplified assumption of certain characteristics as belonging to a gender Stereotypes Stratification Strong preference on access to resources in a society based on gender. The term is often applied with negative effect towards to the female gender in a feminist context. A mild stereotype applied by the society determining the role of women to PrivatePublic Contrast be more involved in private activities or domestic activities and men in the public activities or the work related and social tasks.

Gender Based Society Distinctions There are different social structures from past and present based on gender roles Term Definition and Functions Matrilineal A society in which the women did most of the work and had better control - Society of the society through the higher contribution they made A social pattern where the male partner is supposed to live in the house of Matrilocal - Society the female partner after marriage. Often seen in matriarchic societies wherein the leadership is passed on through the female lineage. The social system that supposes the absence of the father in a family as a Matrifocal - Society common occurrence often due to the adult men being travelers away from home. These societies are not matriarchic even if the domestic decisions are made by women. These distinctions are seen in current and historical societies right from the foragers.

Social Transfer of Power in History It is asserted that ancient societies were often based on the structures defined above. However, a shift took place to frame the male-centric pattern that we see today Plausible Reasons for the Shift Lack of resources due to long-time foraging or natural calamities led to local warfare Local warfare rendered the women targets and were constrained to their homes during crisis Physical strength was considered as the commodity of the hour and alliances were formed between the men of different groups These groups elected leaders who were obviously men and this gave rise to a male-centric political structure The gender roles were assigned to protect women from exposure to the war zones [which was pretty much everywhere outside the houses] This difference and change of roles has been identified as the root of many gender issues even in todays society

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