Lesson 10: Sex and Gender

Above we see an example of the two sex's. Sex is determined at birth. 

 Here we see two people that identify with the male gender, even though they are of a different sex. Gender refers to the physical and behavioral personality traits that define a male or female regardless of sex. 

Here some high school friends pose for a photo. Such peer groups are important in the socialization process because they are reference groups; by conforming to the expected behavior one is accepted, by not conforming one can be excluded from the group.

Gender role socialization is the lifelong process of learning to be masculine or feminine. Above we see the product; two girls working in the kitchen. 

From a young age girls are the ones with the play kitchen sets, the pretend vacuums, and fake make-up that eventually evolve into real kitchen and housework, and real make-up. 

Social learning theory says that babies and children learn behaviors and meanings through interacting and understanding the expectations of those around them. When a camera comes out these two automatically smile, because that's what's expected of them. 

Sexual orientation is based on who you are attracted to. Above is a heterosexual couple, but there can also be homosexual couples which means you are attracted to the same sex. Or a bisexual person that is attracted to both sex's.