Classifying Gender

These 600-word (minimum) assignments are an analysis of, or comment on, class
material, such as video clips and the reading assignments. The questions for the week
are listed in each weekly discussion forum; you need not answer all of them, and you
can certainly discuss material not specifically addressed by the questions. The goal is to use writing as a learning and reflecting exercise, to integrate the course material, and to promote participation. Be sure to address the class materials in your assignment. You need to make at least 3 direct references (with appropriate in-text citations) to the text or readings. Bring the information into your discussion to show understanding. Do not just make a passing reference with no discussion.
You may use outside sources, but then you also must list the reference, in APA format,
at the end of your reflection. If you are using only class resources, you simply need to
include the properly formatted in-text citation
.
These assignments are due on. There are no late or make-up
Assignments. The grading rubric is as follows:

● Is/are the question/s answered fully, and does the paper meet the word count
requirement? (Up to 4 points)

●Does the paper incorporate and discuss at least three specific and relevant
concepts from the text or readings, and include their in-text citations (and if using
an outside source, include the APA-formatted reference)? (Up to 3 points)

●Is the paper well written at a college level, with few misspelled words and
grammatical errors? (Up to 3 points)

*Many of the discussion questions ask about your personal experiences and
Perspectives. Only share in class assignments what you feel comfortable sharing

You can avoid disclosing personal experiences if you need or want to- focus on the class readings and how they relate to one another, for example. Email me with questions as you have them.

*There are a few example CAs under Course Content that may help you see the kind of format I am looking for

Example of how it should look
1) “What questions do you still have after reading chapter five of the textbook?”

One question I have relates to the terms associated with classifying gender. I am having a hard time understanding the differences between a magnitude of terms and classifications and why each term is key to understanding gender. Truthfully, the numerous terms have made it more confusing for me to understand. Thus far, I have gathered that there are significant differences between terms such as, “gender identity”, “gender roles”, “genderqueer”, “gender variations”, etc. I have also taken note that “genderqueer” is a “‘big umbrella term’ for people who don’t fit within the traditional gender binary” (Brekke, 2014, Jacob Tobia and Jamal T. Lewis on What It Means to Identify as Genderqueer). From my own perspective, I find that the term “genderqueer” exemplifies a definition for people who simply do not want to identify themselves as a specific gender. Furthermore, “genderqueer” is what I would personally consider being courageous, sincere, and truthful with oneself, since “genderqueer” refers to anybody who does not strictly identify as male or female.

2) “What does gender mean to you? How do you experience gender? What are the differences between gender identity, gender expression, and gender roles?”

From my own viewpoint, gender means that I am who I am based on my internal sense of self, my practiced sexuality, and a little bit of what my anatomical sex defines me as. I would also say that I am free from the expectations of society altering my view. It is interesting to note what Yarber and Sayad (2013) discuss about “assigned gender” when we are born, they say that, “assigned gender is the gender given by others, usually at birth. When the baby is born, someone looks at the genitals and exclaims, ‘It’s a boy!’ or ‘It’s a girl!’ With that single utterance the baby is transformed from an ‘it’ into a ‘male’ or a ‘female.'” (p.127). I find this to be intriguing due to the fact that I used to volunteer for my local hospital when I was 17yo. I would occasionally deliver charts to the birthing suites and more often than not, the nurses would be huddled around a baby’s bed and ogling at the infant and chanting how pretty the baby girl was, or how handsome the baby boy was. At the time, I felt bad for the baby because I thought the baby would grow up and resent adults who tried to conform that baby into something the baby did not want. Ultimately, at that point in time for the baby, the baby does not know what being female or male actually means. I wonder if parents develop healthier senses of themselves if they refer to their child in an androgynous manner? Theoretically, a welcoming parent to all gender identities would provide a safe environment for their child to discover their true sense of self, i.e., being female, male, or intersex.

When I think about how I experience gender, I actually feel puzzled. I grew up with loving parents who allowed me to explore masculine and feminine activities without feeling pressured to choose one over the other. Consequently, I grew up doing ballet, playing with toy cars that my brother let me touch, and I would end my day by playing with my prized Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen barbie dolls. When I was 13yo, I decided to concurrently dance and play ice hockey. I was honestly happier than ever and I am thankful that I experienced gender in the way that I did during my youth.

From my understanding, the term “gender identity” refers to an individual’s sense of themselves internally and whether they feel that their internal sense tells them they are male or female. In contrast, “gender roles” refers to the behavioral aspects, attitudes, and tasks that are associated with a certain sex in a cultural group (Yarber & Sayad, 2013, p. 127). In addition, the term “gender expression” refers to how we as unique individuals demonstrate our gender. These demonstrations occur through clothing, interactions with others, behavior, etc. Similarly, I find that “gender presentation” sort of falls into the expressive category. Yarber and Sayad (2013) assert, “gender presentation, either through gestures or personality, is what is perceived by others” (p. 128). I am not suggesting that “gender expression” and “gender presentation” are the same, but they both include the same principle within their definitions. The exception is that with gender presentation, this term gives recognition to how others perceive someone else.

After delving into this week’s readings, I am certainly overwhelmed with all of the terms and classifications, but I feel that at some point I will begin to formulate a better understanding of each definition. This week also gave me clarifications about intersex individuals and I am eager to understand more as this course goes on.”