Sociological Perspective On Gender

Today, the identification of gender is becoming an increasing social issue. When evaluating gender through the sociological perspective, it is important to firstly define gender. Gender is defined as societal interpretation and enforcement of sex categories and their associated roles (fao). In the United States, sex determination occurs at birth. This task is placed in the hands of a medical professional. The determination process is very simple, if an infant is born with a genital organ that meets or exceeds a standardized length, the infant is placed in the male sex category. On the other hand, if an infant is born with a genital organ shorter than the standardized length, it is placed in the female sex category. Individuals whose genital organs do not meet either groups criteria are thought of as being in an unusual state. In these circumstances, the doctor will decide which sex category that infant should be placed in. The existence of intersexed individuals and the way in which their genetic ambiguity is handled is proof of gender as being …show more content…
Throughout their life, a child will learn what their role will be with the help of teachings by media, family, teachers, peers, and others. The expectations which coincide with the roles placed on the male and female genders are subject to external factors such as a person’s time of existence or their cultural and environmental circumstances (Greco, Julianna). For example, if a boy grows up in a rural area, he will more than likely have been taught to work and provide for his family Furthermore, the implementation of these roles in a child’s mind results in the child’s development and future mindsets when he or she is an adult (fao). "The term gender role is used to signify all those things that a person says or does to disclose himself or herself as having the status of boy or man, girl or woman,