This lesson introduces three foundational concepts anthropology uses to study bodies, social roles, and intimate life. Distinguishing them helps explain why human variation cannot be reduced to simple assumptions about what is natural.
In social science, sex refers to categories based on biological and anatomical traits. These can include visible genitalia, internal reproductive organs, secondary sex characteristics, chromosomes, reproductive capacities, and the activity of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.
All flashcards
Sex
A classification referring to biological and anatomical traits, which may vary and not align uniformly.
Gender
Culturally shaped roles, expectations, relationships, responsibilities, and rights associated with sex categories.
Sexuality
Erotic thoughts, desires, and practices, together with their sociocultural meanings and identities.
Heteronormativity
The idea that heterosexuality is the most natural or normal form of sexuality.
Sexual dimorphism
Average differences in body size or other physical traits between males and females of a species.
Quiz questions
What does heteronormativity mean?Answer: Treating heterosexuality as the most natural or normal form of sexuality.
What pattern did research challenge in early accounts that centered males in primate social life?Answer: Many groups are organized around related females and their young, while males often move between groups.
What conclusion does the comparison of sexual dimorphism across primate species support?Answer: Anatomical differences do not, by themselves, reliably predict behavioral patterns.
What did the majority of studies reviewed by Anne Fausto-Sterling find about boys' and girls' cognitive abilities?Answer: They found no statistically significant differences between the groups.
Why can the archaeological record make gathering activities less visible than hunting?Answer: Organic tools used in gathering may decompose, while stone hunting tools are more likely to survive.
Based on Introduction to Anthropology by Jennifer Hasty, David G. Lewis, Marjorie M. Snipes (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.