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What Is Sociology of Gender?

Tara Barnett
Tara Barnett

Sociology of gender is a branch of sociology concerned primarily with the roles of gender and sex in society. Typically, the focus of this type of sociology is on the ways in which gender roles play out in a given society and the relevant categories relating to gender in that society. In most cases, sociology focuses not only on describing elements of various societies, but also on the reasons those categories and situations exist. Studies of gender in a sociological lens may focus on the distribution of power as it relates to gender, as well as the ways in which gender stratification occurs.

One complicated aspect of the sociology of gender is the use of the term gender in this discipline. In the social sciences, there is typically a distinction made between biological sex and social gender. This distinction is not recognized in all sociological texts, and it is important to figure out what type of gender, either biological or social, is being discussed in a given sociological theory. There are also debates within this field of sociology questioning whether gender, even when discussed as a social construct, is entirely free from biological input. In most cases, sociology of gender studies primarily social aspects of gender, which at least partially relate in most cases to physical sex.

People might display the gender they identify with depending on the type of clothing they wear.
People might display the gender they identify with depending on the type of clothing they wear.

The development of the sociology of gender is closely related to feminist theories and other types of sociology with highly important gender roles. For example, the sociology of the family is closely related to the sociology of gender because of the way in which families often play out gendered roles. Feminist theory often gives this type of sociology a focus on systematic oppression of women, both in commonly recognized and often obscured ways. Sociology of this type may focus on how people learn gender roles, but this type of study often blurs the line between sociology and, for example, psychology.

Gender identity often plays a role in dating and attraction.
Gender identity often plays a role in dating and attraction.

In many cases, sociology of gender is concerned with the ways in which societies create gender. The idea that genders are not the same across cultures is often difficult for beginners to understand, but this is clearly demonstrated by the fact that there are some cultures with three genders and two biological sexes. By looking at how genders are created socially, it is reasoned, it is possible to elucidate ways in which gender stratification leads to inequalities or hidden disadvantages.

Studies of gender in a sociological lens may focus on the distribution of power as it relates to gender, as well as the ways in which gender stratification occurs.
Studies of gender in a sociological lens may focus on the distribution of power as it relates to gender, as well as the ways in which gender stratification occurs.

Given the close ties between the sociology of gender and feminism, this type of sociology often focuses on women. It is important to recognize, however, that masculinity is also constructed socially. The sociology of gender has the potential to look at all ways in which gender is constructed and used from a sociological standpoint, but topics involving power and social roles are most popular.

Discussion Comments

bear78

Are transsexual gender roles and the impact of gender roles on the gay community studied as well by this type of sociology?

I personally feel that because our society is greatly influenced by the traditional gender roles, transsexual, gay and lesbian individuals are subjected to hate crimes and discrimination. I wish sociologists could come up with some theories as to how these problems can be overcome.

donasmrs

I find this area of study very interesting. I'm planning on majoring in sociology and I would like to concentrate on sociology of gender. I think gender roles define everything we do, so in order to understand society, I think that we need to understand these roles.

burcinc

Sociology of gender and feminist sociology have existed for more than a few decades. But unfortunately, I don't think that things have changed much.

Gender roles still dominate social structures and the image of women is often inaccurate and distorted. There is an inclination among social institutions and even the study of sociology itself, to see things from a man's point of view.

I hope that this field develops and grows in the upcoming decades. I hope that there will be more female sociologists who study social concepts accurately and giving equal importance to both genders.

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    • People might display the gender they identify with depending on the type of clothing they wear.
      By: Oleksii Sergieiev
      People might display the gender they identify with depending on the type of clothing they wear.
    • Gender identity often plays a role in dating and attraction.
      By: vgstudio
      Gender identity often plays a role in dating and attraction.
    • Studies of gender in a sociological lens may focus on the distribution of power as it relates to gender, as well as the ways in which gender stratification occurs.
      By: berc
      Studies of gender in a sociological lens may focus on the distribution of power as it relates to gender, as well as the ways in which gender stratification occurs.
    • Typically, the focus of the sociology of gender is on the ways in which gender roles play out in a given society.
      By: Paylessimages
      Typically, the focus of the sociology of gender is on the ways in which gender roles play out in a given society.