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chapter 19 GeNDer aND INeqUalITIeS

meaninG of GenDer

The word ‘gender’ refers to the fact of being male or female, especially when considered
with reference to social and cultural differences. In fact, gender is a social construct and
not determined by biological difference. In this way, by gender we near the many social

values and stereotypes our cultures attach to the biological distinction of male and female.
It is a term that helps us to understand many of the inequalities that relationships between
men and women in a society.

Sex refers to the biological state of being male or female. That is, it is determined biologically, on
the other hand, gender is a socially acquired characteristic which is expressed in terms of :
(i) socially determined differences between male and female;
(ii) difference in their social roles and behaviour.
GenDer role

A gender role is a set pattern of behaviour that a man or woman is expected to follow in a
society. Gender roles may vary from society to society. In any given society, they may also

change over time.
A person becomes aware of his or her gender role as he or she interacts with other members
of the society, in the family, in the community, in school and in public places.

GenDer roles in The family

The family makes clear distinction between boys and girls
even before the birth of a child. This is because, quite of the
parents want a boy rather than a girl child. They are involved
even in female feticides. Further, they usually treat their sons
and daughters differently. They give different toys to play
with. For example, boys are generally given cars or planes to Discrimination Between Bcy and Girl
play with while girls are given dolls. These different toys indication to the children that

they will have different futures when they become men and women. Traditionally, girls
are expected to grow up and marry, have children, do the house work and take care of the
family. So, they are brought up to be kind and gentle. And, they are encouraged to learn
household chores and help their mothers in the kitchen in order to enable them to become
good housewives or good mothers. On the other hand, boys are expected to work outside
home and earn money to support the family. That is why, they are encouraged to do well in
sports and studies so that they become physically strong and mentally sound. Such gender
inequality within the family influences the general attitude of children in a family.

114 Social Studies-7