Essentials of Sociology (12th Edition)
Essentials of Sociology (12th Edition)
12th Edition
ISBN: 9780134205588
Author: James M. Henslin
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 3, Problem 1FYC-83
Summary Introduction

Concept introduction:

We are socialized to our gender roles from infancy, so gender is often conflated with anatomical sex (i.e., masculine = male, feminine = female).

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However, because the sworn virgins of Albania are able to live their lives as men with the support of their communities, they are a clear example of how gender is separated from anatomical sex.

Sociologists understand gender as a social construct, which means the norms we ascribe to gendered behavior are not biological in nature, but formed due to external social factors. Over time, gendered attributes such as fashion, occupation, and communication styles have become coded by gender. Some sociologists, particularly evolutionary sociologists, take exception to the idea that gender is entirely a construct; they point to primitive roles, like men as hunters and women as nurturers, to make the case that some characteristics we consider gender-specific may be inherent.

The sworn virgins of Albania help to illustrate what gender is through taking on the roles and ascribed status of men in their society. These individuals must take a vow of celibacy, but otherwise live their lives as men for all intents and purposes. An example from the reading states that the sworn virgins worship with the men in mosques. Given that religion is at the center of social life in the region, it would be hard to imagine these communities allowing sworn virgins to worship with men unless they viewed them as men.

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