Identity: Sex and Gender Lecture

What is a 'man'?
- An adult male
Adult - difficult to pin down

Sexual Maturity = 13 years

Law differentiates between sexual age and mental age

'Natural Attitude' towards gender is there are only two - male and female
Idea seen as unquestionable

Assumption that gender is determined by reproductive organs.

- assume that being masculine/feminine is not a choice

'Biological determination'
- pre-determined
- natural attitude

Cultural Definitions
- Western cultural industries
       -Advertising, cinema, newspaper

Different forms that a 'man' can take and yet still embody 'masculinity'

Representation in Mass Media
-White
-Agentic subject (does things)
-Purposeful
-Active
-Independent
-Heterosexual
-Violent and/or fearless
-Powerless
-Strong

What is masculinity?
- not femininity  -  can only be understood relationally.

Mass Media presents exaggerated form of human 'sexual dimorphism'
Exaggerate 'gender dimorphism' to make it seem normal.
Artifically exaggerated.

Mass Media typically present a 'heterosexual' discourse.

- present heterosexuality as normal/natural sexual identity

- renders all other sexual identities abnormal/unnatural

-symbolic annihilation of genders

Gaye Tuchman
To be seen feminine/ have feminine qualities is framed as a negative and undesirable state.

John Berger
Power framed as unattractive in women
 - pushy, demanding
Gender identities are 'performed' not part of our genetic build.

Gender Trouble - Judith Butler
Identity as 'doing' rather than 'being'

Gender stereotypes are harmful for men as much as for women.

Cultural Constrictions
-Race
-Sexuality
-Aging
-Disability
-Fat
-Beauty