GE Elec
GE Elec
GE Elec
Introduction to Gender
Gender as Social Construct
All academic disciplines as they now exist, whether sociology,
psychology, astronomy, physics, theology or chemistry, have been
developed largely by men.
It is men who run governments, control education systems, who earn
most of the money, and who are generally considered the movers and
shakers of the society.
A 1987 United Nations report claimed, “women constitute half of the world’s
population, perform nearly 2/3s of its work hours, receive 1/10 of its income, and
own less than one-hundredth of its property.
Sex status is biologically determined but socially constructed. All human societies
make distinctions based on inborn characteristics of sex.
Biological Sex
Some babies (2-3%) each year are born with ambiguous external genitalia. These
babies receive a sexual assignment as one of the two sexes and if required, surgical
intervention is provided.
Sex assignment - The categorization into either male or female seems like an
irrefutable biological fact.
There are several components which may comprise biological sex:
chromosomal sex,
gondola sex (sexual production organ),
internal sex organs,
external genitalia.
Gender: A Continuum?
Transsexuals are individuals who have the genotype of one sex but are convinced
they are in the wrong body, in other words, they are really the opposite sex.
Chapter 1
Sex - Biological traits that society associates with being male or female.
Gender- Cultural meanings attached to being masculine, feminine, which
influence personal identities.
Ex: Man, Woman, Transgender, Intersex, Gender Queer
Sexuality - Sexual attraction, practices & identity which may or may not align
with sex and gender
Ex: Heterosexual, Homosexual (Gay or Lesbian), Bisexual, Queer
Ideology of Gender
What is expected of us
What is allowed of us
What is valued of us
Ideology of Gender
Contains norms and rules regarding appropriate behavior
Determine attributes
Reproduces range of beliefs and customs to support these norms and
social rules
Norms and rules determine material reality of relative access of men and
women to and claims over different resources
Patriarchy
A form of social organization in which men dominate women
Promotes partri-locality and patrilineage
Controls sexuality, fertility and labor of women
Promotes double standard of sexual morality
Chapter 2
Chromosomes XY XX
Sexual Dysfunctions
Male sexual problems
Impotence (inability to maintain an erection)
Premature ejaculation
Male and Female
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Inhibited Desire
Female
Orgasmic dysfunction
Vaginismus (painful contraction of the vaginal muscles)
Fully equality and development for women and men is anchored on a vision of
development that is equitable, sustainable, and free from violence, respectful of
human rights, supportive of self-determination, and the actualization of human
potentials, and participatory and empowering...
Challenge
GAD plans submitted only for compliance
Lack of sex-disaggregated data crucial for gender analysis and GAD
planning
Weak political and popular support
Limited technical capabilities and expertise of agencies and LGUs on
gender planning and budgeting
Inability to influence mainstream macro policies and programs and total
budget
Lack of mechanisms to track progress and measure impact: monitoring
Key Principles
Development planning and practice should:
Deliberately address obstacles to women’s effective participation and
enjoyment of benefits
Expand women ‘s range of choices and opportunities
Strengthen their capabilities to attain a full and satisfying life
Bridge the gender gap
Promote gender equality