Handbook

What is the difference between sex, gender and sexuality? Are there only two genders? Does femininity belong only to women? Is it true that men have the violent gene and women are born to be nurturing and gentle? Why is heterosexuality perceived as the default sexuality? Why are some sexual identities and expressions given state recognition and others criminalised? How do we make sense of the inequalities experienced by individuals and communities of non-dominant sex, gender and sexuality identities? SOC227 Genders and Sexualities explores these and other gender and sexuality related issues. Engaging with sociological perspectives such as feminist theories, queer theory and intersectionality, students will seek to understand the negotiation of diverse gender and sexual identities, expressions and practices within and across institutions such as the family, education, work, media, law, religion and healthcare. To provide a more comprehensive and inclusive learning approach, the subject will discuss different configurations of gender and sexuality across societies. The subject aims to challenge taken-for-grant assumptions about gender and sexual identities and practices so as to uncover possibilities for greater social justice and mutual respect.