Theoretical overview
The terms ‘gender’ and ‘sex’ are closely linked, yet they are not Robert Stoller, in the 1960s, has drawn the distinction synonyms. between them. He suggested that the word ‘sex’ be used to refer to physical differences between men and women, while the term gender to be used in connection to the behavior and cultural practices the for men and women. This distinction is the basis for all the definitions ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ that are provided in the literature nowadays.
Definition of “Sex” : The term ‘sex’ is easy to understand. It imply refers to the natural biological differences between men and women, for example, the differences in the organs related to production.
According to Browne, “Gender refers to the cultural, socially- constructed differences between the two sexes. It refers to the way Society encourages and teaches the two sexes to behave in different ways through socialisation.” In simple words, gender refers to differences in attitudes and behavior, and these differences are perceived as a product of the socialisation process rather than of biology. Gender also includes the different expectations that society and individuals themselves hold as regard to the appropriate behaviours of men and women. We should also note that gender does not concern women only, but it relates to both sexes. Gender issues are not women issues; they are rather issues pertaining to both men and women. Viewing gender as a socially-constructed phenomenon implies that gender, contrary to sex, is not the same over the world. It varies between and within societies and it can change over time
Gender inequalities
Theory of Unequal Opportunity
This theory advocates that women have same right to participate in public structures with men. Practical importance is the removal of formal and informal barriers to participation. This theory elaborates causes of unequal participation of women in each and every sector of the society. Due to gender, women are deprived culturally. This cultural deprivation reflects all types of female deprivation and male dominancy. We can see women’s less participation in daily routine of education, health, political and administration, safety and socio-economic sector.
Theory of Unequal Power
Theory of unequal power is behind socialist feminism. This stands opposed to theory of unequal opportunity by arguing that it is impossible to take advantage of opportunities where patriarchy holds a vice-like grip on one’s consciousness. Theory of unequal power sees society as organized to prevent feminine equality, either because of masculine self-interest or because such an arrangement functions in the service of capitalism. The only practical solution to female inequality is general social revolution.
THIRD GENDER
A category of people exists in society, who do not identify male or female, but rather as neither, both, or a combination of male and female genders. As discussed above, gender refers to social identities and expectations which are socially constructed often in relation to real or assumed sex characteristics. Sex roles are pre- defined by society. Third gender is not fit for the frame designed by traditional society of patriarchy, so they are people of marginalized category. They have same problem as women are facing right now. They have to face problem of opportunity, problem of participation and problem to involve in power and administration. As Every citizen has a right to life, the right to self-expression, under the Constitution. The right of gender expression is inherent in it, as much as the right of expression of sexuality. This is a facet of the right to life. The space of the third gender is not a space that is easy to inhabit for the ones who are there, and not easy to imagine for the ones who are not there. Parents and siblings do not understand why this child cannot be like the others.
Supreme court judgement on third genders rights:
- Legal recognition for third gender
- Legal recognition for third gender transitioning within male/female binary
- Public health n sanitation.
- Socio-economic rights
- Stigma and public awareness.
Points to remember
- The terms ‘gender’ and ‘sex’ are closely linked
- The term ‘sex’ is easy to understand. It imply refers to the natural biological differences between men and women, for example, the differences in the organs related to production.
- Gender refers to the cultural, socially- constructed differences between the two sexes. It refers to the way Society encourages and teaches the two sexes to behave in different ways through socialization.
- A category of people exists in society, who do not identify male or female, but rather as neither, both, or a combination of male and female genders
