In this reading we learn about the theories of gender and sex. Researchers use these theories to explain where gender comes from. Three theories are biological, psychological and critical/ cultural. The biological theory states that the distinction between men and women are due to inherent and hormonal differences.” This approach tends to be debatable because it leaves little room for sexual expression and gender because it claims both are dependent on biological makeup. The psychological theory of gender revolves around the question of whether gender is natural or whether gender is a social constructed category. For example, boys and girls learn to be boys and girls. Because girls are like their mothers biologically they see themselves as connected to her. Because boys are biologically different or separate from their mother, they construct their gender identity in contrast to their mother. According to the cultural theory, children adjust their behavior to match with the gender norms of their culture from the earliest stages of social development. For example, if a child lives in a very traditional culture they might believe that a woman’s role is to care for and raise children, while a man’s role is in work and industry. Through these observations, children form roles related to what men and women can and cannot do.
