Have you heard the term gender? How about sex? Gender is often interchanged with the word “sex”. The two terms are confusing. We sometimes think that they are synonymous. When a child is born with a female genital, we are confused what term to be used when asking. Is it sex or gender?
Furthermore, we keep on thinking which is correct to say? “The gender of the baby is female” or “The sex of the baby is female”.
We mistakenly use the terms sometimes. We thought that either of the two is correct. However, this article will surely enlighten your mind about its difference.
What is Gender?
Gender refers to the classification of human being as feminine or masculine. It commonly linked to the social roles, personalities, attributes, characteristics, appearance and attitudes male and females show. In other words, if we talk about gender, the one who uses high heels and lipstick is a female. In opposite, someone used to trim his hair short is a male.
What is Functionalist?
It refers to the belief that what makes someone feels and thinks doesn’t depend on its internal constitution. On the other hand, it says that it depends on the role he or she plays in the society.
In other words, functionalist theory emphasized that the way how a person thinks or behaves is the product of the situation. They believe that situation prompts a person to do something.
What is the Difference Between Sex & Gender?
We refer the newborn baby’s sex based on his or her genitals. We assign it as male or female. However, after identifying the sex of the baby, we presume his or her gender. Gender is influenced by society, environmental and biological factors as well.
When a child is born, we can identify the sex but not the gender yet. Society impacts the gender of a person nowadays. Transgender possessed a gender identity that is opposite to his or her sex.
People say that there are bigger chances that a person might experience gender crisis when he or she joins the company with the same status. In other words, if a straight guy accompanies the group of gays, chances are higher that he will also end the same.
What Do Functionalists Generally Believe to be True About Gender?
In the functionalist point of view, gender inequality is necessary. The theory emphasized that division of labor due to gender inequality is very important. Moreover, because of this inequality, it creates division of labor for a more productive output.
In other words, men are expected to do heavy and laborious jobs than women. Productivity decreased when both men and women do light works.
It points out that there are really works that only men are capable of. In other words, men are more powerful than women. Therefore, many women long time ago stayed inside the house to do the household chores.
Conclusion
The functionalism theory is maybe true in some point. However, these day, we see that the gender inequality issue is lessen. Women prove that their gender is not a hindrance to do a task. There are so much things women able to do. It only shows that gender is not a basis of a person’s ability. Wants more? Learn here.
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