Vocab for Psych 257

Typical

Preferred term for referring to more statistically common conditions. "Normal" is not preferred, as it indicates that other conditions are "abnormal," even though they are just less common. (e.g., Being left handed is less common, though it is in no way a

Sex

A person's biological sex. The words male and female are used to describe sex categories, and are based on anatomy and physiology. Sex is almost invariably assigned at birth, based on the appearance of an infant's genitals. Note: Individuals are not alway

Gender

The traits and behaviors that are culturally defined as appropriate for men or for women. These are often described with the words feminine, masculine, or androgynous. The word gender implies that the origin of the characteristic described is learned thro

Gender Role

The culturally prescribed behaviors and norms for women or men. These are the culturally accepted rules of how men and women should behave.

Gender Identity

The awareness and internalized sense of one's self as female, male, both, or neither. Gender is a major portion of an individual's personal identity.

Androgyny

Refers to either a combination of both male and female characteristics, or characteristics of neither sex.

Transgender

A gender identity incongruent with the sex assigned at birth.

Cisgender

a gender identity congruent with the sex assigned at birth.

Transsexual

a person whose gender identity is wholly or partially incongruent with the sex assigned at birth. These people may feel they are a different gender than their physical body. Some physically transition to the congruent physical anatomy through sex change s

Cross-dressers

Those who wear clothing associated with the other gender. They may identify as male, female, both, or neither, and may identify with any sexual orientation. This is the preferred term, which has replaced "transvestites." People cross-dress for many differ

Queer (Genderqueer)

a gender identity outside of the heteronormative, binary gender schema.

Gender nonconformity (Gender variance)

behavior or gender expression that does not conform to dominant gender norms of male and female. This may reflect rejection of some or all gender roles associated with one's assigned sex.

Heteronormative

cultural norms and attitudes that maintain the expectation that all people fall into a binary system of male and female, characterized by corresponding biological sex, gender roles, gender identity, and heterosexual orientation.

Gender and Sexual Diversities (GSD)

inclusive term for all people who identify outside of the heteronormative binary. This term has recently been proposed as a replacement for LGBT, as it more inclusively recognizes variations in gender and sexual identities and expressions.

Gender incongruence (Gender dysphoria)

a gender identity that is not congruent with physical sex, resulting in significant social and/or psychological distress. Although this has been historically referred to as gender identity disorder, the person's gender identity is often quite certain, and

Intersex (Disorders of sexual development)

one of many conditions resulting in chromosomes, gonads, genitals, and/or hormone patterns that do not match the typical appearance, function, and/or combination associated with either male or female. An intersex person may have some female and some male

Gender Stereotypes

expectations about a person's biological and psychological features, based on beliefs about his or her apparent sex.

Sexism

Prejudice toward people based on their sex. Sex discrimination is treating people differently based on their sex.

Other Sex

A more appropriate term than "opposite sex" as there are many similarities between men and women, which you'll discover this quarter. Males and females tend not to be "opposite" in most ways.

Sexual Orientation

Refers to the type of partner a person is sexually attracted to, usually in relation to one's own sex or gender identity. Those who are attracted to other-sex partners are heterosexual, those attracted to same sex-partners are homosexual, those attracted

Intersectionality

A major perspective within gender studies that considers these multiple aspects of a person's identity (gender, ethnic, vocational, sexual, etc.), and how they interact to create a unique identity and experience.

Feminism

The belief that women and men are inherently equal.

Queer theory

Examines how gender and sexuality are socially constructed experiences that give privilege to some groups while withholding it from others.