Womens Studies

The view that the behaviour and character of an organism, group, or system are determined by biological factors. Most careful scientists shun new determinism, but determinist tendencies can be found both among scientists and popular culture.

Differences between men and women that appear to be gender differences, but may be the result of different positions within society,

Associated "nurture" , this perspective asserts that men and women are different because they are socialized differently from birth, thus acquiring 'masculine' or 'feminine' traits, behaviours or attitudes.

R.W Connell

R.W Connells model of female gender idealogy which asserts that femininity is displayed as compliance with gender inequality and is oriented to accommodating the interests and desires of men.

The meanings attached to the anatomical differences between men and women or according to feminist theorist Joan Scott, "a way of referring to the social construction of the relationship between the sexes."

Any society in which social institutions reproduce and reinforce domnant definitions of gender and 'discipline' those who deviate from these definitions.

Something that is upheld as the model; hegemonic ideals my be contested, but cannot be ignored because of their cultural power and ubiquity.

A theory developed in the 1980s, most notably by R.W. Connell, to explain male gender idealogy. There may be many versions of masculinity operating in culture, but there is only one 'culturally honoured' or hegemonic and other masculinities are organized under it in a hierarchical fashion. This theory emphasizes competition among men for power and dominance within systems of gender inequality or patriarchy.

The idea that while people have gender, institutions are gender neutral. The assumption that institutions are gender neutral can obscure the importance of gender within them.

The idea that men are from mars, and women are from venus, or that men and women are 'opposites' who exhibit complete and universal gender difference.

The idea that those who are dominant in a society may not be aware of their dominance or special status, but can see themselves as 'universal' human beings or citizens. Because of the invisibility of privilege, people may not be aware of the extent of discrimination and may become angry when confronted with assertions of racism or sexism.

A system that grants greater power, value, authority and access to resources to men. Most often in systems of male dominance, men's authority is reinforced throughout society and its social political, religous, cultural, and economic institutions. Male dominance is sometimes referred to as 'patriarchy', though this term is contreversial when used as a synonym for male dominance.

Differences in the avereage scores of men and women on standardized tests, which may be taken as representative of absolute differences between the sexes.

The advantages that come from being a member of a dominant group (based on gender, race, class, ability, or sexuality.) The principle of which may be the presumption of normalcy and universality.