Gender Meaning: General Definition and History

Kapanlagi.com - Gender is a familiar term. Even when talking about gender, it is still considered a sensitive topic. However, there are still those who do not understand the true meaning of gender. In fact, if explored further, the word gender has a history until it is commonly used as it is today.

Understanding the meaning of gender is important, KLovers. Although the discussion about gender is still sensitive, it doesn't hurt to know and understand the meaning of gender wisely.

Now, for KLovers who want to know and understand the meaning of gender, here is the general definition of gender, its history, and various genders that you can learn and understand. Let's find out, KLovers.

1. Understanding Gender

Illustration (credit: Pixabay)

Yes, in general, the meaning of gender is the differentiation of roles, attributes, qualities, attitudes, and behaviors that grow and develop within society. And gender roles are divided into productive roles, reproductive roles, and social roles within the community.

The term gender itself can also be interpreted as roles formed by society, as well as behaviors that are ingrained through the socialization process related to female, male, or intersex genders.

In addition, according to Wikipedia, in other contexts, the term gender can encompass or be used as a substitute for sex. For example, in the study of animals, gender is generally used to refer to the sex of the animal.

The definitions of gender and gender identity vary based on doctrine. In popular usage outside of scientific studies, sex refers to our biological selves, gender refers to our social selves, gender identity refers to our understanding and awareness or self-determination of masculinity or femininity. And gender roles are cultural stereotypes regarding masculinity and femininity.

2. History of Gender

Illustration (credit: Pixabay)

Not only do you want to know the meaning of gender in general, you can also find out the history of the word gender. It is known that the word gender itself comes from the Middle French word Gendre which also comes from the Latin word genus meaning "type" or "kind".

According to Wikipedia, the term "gender role" first appeared in print media in 1955. Meanwhile, the term "gender identity" was used in a press statement on November 21, 1966 announcing a new clinic for transsexuals at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Gender historians are also interested in how gender differences are perceived at different times and places, usually assuming that these differences are socially constructed. The arrangement or social construction of gender has always been represented as changes in behavioral norms for men or women.

These historians study the history of gender by noting changes in norms among humans over time, and interpreting these aspects of change in relation to broader climates, social, cultural, and political contexts. So it's no wonder that the understanding of gender today is broader and more flexible, and is still a topic of discussion.

3. Types of Gender

Illustration (credit: Pixabay)

So, what about the various types of gender? Traditionally or generally, society only recognizes two roles or two types of gender, namely feminine and masculine. Both are also associated with female and male sexes.

When a baby is born, society assigns the baby to a gender based on their genitalia appearance. However, some societies in the world have gender groups that are not confined to biological sex.

This group is also referred to in sociology as the third gender, which is separate from the biological sex condition, or intersex. Intersex people are those who are born with variations in sexual characteristics such as chromosomes, sex glands, hormones, or genitalia that do not match the general definition of male or female.

That's the meaning of gender that you can know and understand. Not only knowing the general meaning of gender, but also the history of gender and the various types of gender that you can know and understand.

(kpl/gen/dhm)