Gender

Gender

Gender is about how people feel and act as men (or boys), women (or girls), or in other ways. It can be different from a person’s sex assigned at birth. Many cultures think of gender as having just two groups, but some people feel they are outside these groups, which is called being non-binary.

The word gender used to mean the same as sex. Over time, people started to separate the two ideas. This change began in the middle of the last century in subjects like psychology, sociology, sexology, and feminism.

The social sciences study gender a lot, especially in gender studies. Other areas like psychology, sociology, sexology, and neuroscience also look at gender. Some believe gender is learned, while others study if biology plays a part.

Etymology and usage

The word gender comes from old words meaning "kind" or "type". It started in Middle English and has roots in Latin. For much of history, gender was mainly used in grammar to describe words as masculine, feminine, or neuter.

Only in the mid-20th century did people begin using gender to talk about social roles connected to being male or female. Before this, the word was rarely used outside of grammar. Feminist thinkers in the 1970s helped make gender a common way to discuss social ideas about men and women, separate from biological differences. Today, gender can sometimes mean the same as sex, but it often refers to social expectations and roles.

Biological factors and views

Some behaviors related to being a boy or a girl start before birth, thanks to hormones. For example, boys might enjoy more active play, which can be shaped by natural hormone levels. These hormones can also affect what kids like to do and how they act during childhood.

Researchers look into why some people feel they are a different gender than what was expected at birth. This might be because of genes and what happens inside the womb. For example, women with a condition that changes hormone levels might enjoy activities usually linked to boys. This shows how our biology can shape our interests and actions.

Non-human animals

When scientists study animals, the word "gender" often means their biological sex. They say only humans can really think of themselves as boys or girls because this needs self-awareness and language. But animals do show behaviors that can seem masculine or feminine, like certain ways of playing or acting in groups. Scientists have seen these patterns in animals such as rats and monkeys.

In 2023, a study found that how we think about animals, such as pandas, giraffes, polar bears, and cheetahs, can sometimes include ideas about their "gender" in how we talk and feel about them.

Feminist theory

Feminist thinkers study how biology and society together shape who we are. They believe our experiences and surroundings play a big role in how we act and behave.

Important feminist writers have talked about what it means to be a woman or a man. They discuss how people learn many ways to act and connect with others throughout their lives, not just because of biology. Over time, feminist ideas about gender have changed and grown, helping people see social and political issues in new ways.

Gender studies

Gender studies is a field that explores how people think about being a boy or a girl. It looks at how boys and girls are treated differently, how they see themselves, and how societies shape these ideas. This field studies many areas, including literature, history, politics, and psychology.

In gender studies, the word "gender" talks about how cultures and societies think about what it means to be a boy or a girl. It is not about biological differences but about behaviors and roles that people learn. People learn these roles from family, school, and media, starting when they are very young. These roles can be different in various cultures and can change over time.

Some people feel they don’t fit neatly into just being a boy or a girl, and that’s okay. Different cultures have different ways of thinking about gender, and some recognize more than just two ways to express it.

Psychology and sociology

Many human behaviors are shaped by our genes, what we eat, and the culture we grow up in. Researchers study how these things connect to our actions and feelings.

Sociology looks at how people’s behaviors affect each other. For example, how one group’s actions can influence another group. As children grow, society helps them learn about their gender through examples and expectations. These ideas about gender can affect many parts of life, like jobs, family, and education. Different cultures have different ideas about what it means to be a boy or a girl, and these ideas can change over time.

Gender as biopsychosocial

Gender comes from three main parts: our bodies, our minds, and the world around us. Our bodies, like our chromosomes and hormones, help shape how we see ourselves. Our minds, including our thoughts and feelings, also play a big role. And the world around us, like our families and cultures, teaches us about gender too.

Everyone’s gender is unique, and it can be different from what people might expect based on their bodies. This mix of body, mind, and world helps make each person’s gender special.

Gender and society

Languages can show differences in how they talk about men and women. Some languages give every word a "gender," like calling a table masculine or feminine. This doesn’t change the meaning of the word but is part of the language’s rules.

In some places, laws treat men and women differently. Some countries let people change their legal gender if they feel it doesn’t match what they were born as. Many countries now let people choose a gender that isn’t just male or female on official documents.

Science has often been seen as something mostly done by men. Women faced many barriers. Today, women are still less common in top science jobs, but efforts are being made to change this.

Different religions think about gender in various ways. Some see God as male, while others include feminine ideas. Many religions have specific roles for men and women, but some are working toward more equal treatment.

Poverty affects women more often than men. Women may have less money and fewer job opportunities. Programs aim to help women gain more equality and empowerment.

Climate change affects men and women differently, mostly because of social and economic factors. Women often face more challenges because of their roles and access to resources.

Social media use differs between genders. Women often use it to stay connected with friends, while men may use it to meet new people or share content. Young people, especially teens, spend a lot of time online.