Introduction
Sociologists have attempted to explain the sociological gender roles and sex and their differences. Others maintain that there is a difference between the two terms that are sex and gender and their behavioral character tends to differ. We shall critically review a newspaper article that attempts to define the sociological gender and sexual anatomy and how the two differ.
Sociology, Theory, Cultural Understanding and Physical Anatomy
This article has been written by Morine Nicholas, a sociologist and a columnist in the daily newspaper, the New York Times. The article was published in September 2009 by Ochs Publishers. In order to understand the sexual norms and feminists theories, one needs to know the difference between sex and gender.
He further argues that most people use the words ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ incorrectly, and 90% of the people who use these two terms cannot differentiate them (Nicholas 2). He proceeds to argue that sex is biologically determined and that it concerns itself more with the physical anatomy of an individual. He also argues that he believes that sex is a natural phenomenon and is not determined by any cultural practices or norms, as many people are led to believe. (Nicholas, 4).
On the other hand, social interaction, peer absorption, and cultural values are the main determinants of gender identity. He contends that one can challenge their gender and even proceed to undergo surgery to change to the opposite gender. He explains that this is one of the examples that show the distinction between sex and gender, as well as the two terms being disparate (Nicholas 9). He further argues that culture can describe gender roles and identities.
These roles have been criticized and argued upon in the feminist theory when it comes to the sociology and philosophy aspects. He gives an example of when males play with toy soldiers and females with Barbie dolls while they are still young. This has been termed as gender bias by the feminist theorists who consider it offensive.
The writer poses a question about why it is important to acknowledge the difference between gender and sex. He continues to answer the question by stating that a very important reason is to be able to understand the impact of the two terms on children and even adults. He defends this point by giving an example of children and adults who differ from the gender roles that have been socially accepted, and society tends to shun them (Nicholas, 12).
He gives an example of boys who, instead of playing with toy soldiers and trucks, play with dolls or adult females who like to engage in sports talk and wear plaid. The article relates to define the sociological gender and sex and to differentiate between the two.
However, the writer appears vague in his attempt to differentiate the two. He also fails to explain the feminist’s theories argument on gender roles. He also appears vague by stating that sex is a natural phenomenon as opposed to gender. This appears contradicting with his holding that one can change his sex but not his gender. He does not bring out the sociological difference between gender and sex.
Conclusion
In this article, the writer fails to clearly define the two terms and bring out the differences as intended. Instead, he leaves the reader even more confused about their applicability. He further introduced the reader to the feminist theory but failed to explain what these theories are and their stand on the gender roles portrayed.
Works Cited
Nicholas, Morine. “Sociology, Theory, Cultural Understanding, and Physical Anatomy.” New York Times. 2009.