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Theories of Gender in Sociology

This topic explores the significance of gender within various cultures, emphasizing that gender is not a universal binary but exists on a spectrum. It introduces three key sociological theories: structural functionalism, which views gender as a means of organizing society into complementary roles; symbolic interactionism, focusing on everyday gender enactment; and social conflict theory, which critiques patriarchal structures that perpetuate gender inequality. Understanding these theories is crucial for analyzing how gender shapes social interactions and structures across different societies.

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1

Which of the following best describes the distinction between sex and gender in sociology?

Sex is about the physical differences between males and females, like body parts. Other options are incorrect because Some people think sex and gender...

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2

How does intersectionality enhance our understanding of the distinction between sex and gender in sociological theories?

Intersectionality shows that different parts of our identity, like race and class, work together. Other options are incorrect because This idea sugges...

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3

How does gender socialization influence an individual's gender identity according to sociological theories?

Society teaches us what it means to be male or female. Other options are incorrect because Some might think socialization doesn't matter at all; It's ...

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4

How does the concept of hegemonic masculinity interact with gender socialization and intersectionality to shape societal expectations of male behavior?

Hegemonic masculinity is shaped by different experiences, like race and class. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests that masculini...

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5

Which of the following statements best exemplifies the intersection of feminist theory and transgender studies in addressing gender inequality?

Both feminist theory and transgender studies work to change old ideas about gender. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that gender...

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6

Which of the following best describes the concept of gender roles in sociology?

Gender roles are about how society expects people to behave based on whether they are male or female. Other options are incorrect because This answer ...

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7

Which theory suggests that gender is primarily shaped by social interactions and cultural norms rather than biological factors?

This theory says that our ideas about gender come from how we interact with others and what society teaches us. Other options are incorrect because Th...

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8

What does Feminist Theory primarily focus on in the context of gender studies?

Feminist Theory looks at how society is set up in ways that keep men and women unequal. Other options are incorrect because Some might think Feminist ...

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9

In sociological theories of gender, structural functionalism suggests that gender roles are essential for organizing society into __________ roles, while social conflict theory critiques these roles for perpetuating inequality.

Complementary roles mean that different genders work together to make society function well. Other options are incorrect because Interchangeable sugge...

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10

Which of the following statements accurately reflect key ideas from sociological theories of gender? Select all that apply.

Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that all cultures see gender the same way; This view implies that gender roles are fixed and on...

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11

Structural functionalism : organizing society into roles :: Social conflict theory : ?

Social conflict theory looks at how different groups fight for power. Other options are incorrect because This idea suggests that gender is created in...

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12

Which theory best explains how gender roles are constructed and maintained through everyday interactions?

This theory shows how people create and share meanings through their daily actions. Other options are incorrect because This idea focuses on how diffe...

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13

Which theory of gender primarily critiques the societal structures that maintain gender inequality?

This theory looks at how society is divided into groups that compete for power. Other options are incorrect because This idea focuses on how different...

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14

Maria is studying different cultural practices regarding gender roles around the world. She observes that in some societies, men and women have distinct and complementary roles, while in others, gender roles are more fluid and can change over time. Which sociological theory best explains the significance of these observations?

This theory says that society works like a machine. Other options are incorrect because This theory focuses on power struggles; This theory looks at s...

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15

A sociologist observes a community where gender roles are strictly defined, with men primarily taking on leadership roles and women focusing on domestic responsibilities. Using the theories of gender in sociology, which theory best explains this observation and why?

This theory says that society works like a machine. Other options are incorrect because This theory focuses on small interactions and meanings; This t...

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16

Why do many cultures construct rigid gender roles despite the existence of gender on a spectrum?

Cultures create strict gender roles to keep things organized. Other options are incorrect because Some people think gender is only about biology, like...

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17

Arrange the theories of gender in sociology in the order of their focus from individual interactions to societal structures.

This answer is correct because it starts with Symbolic Interactionism, which looks at small, everyday interactions. Other options are incorrect becaus...

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