Question: Chapter Three: This chapter focuses on the social construction of gender in contemporary U.S. society and explores the concepts of gender assignment, identity, and expression; emphasizing the ways gender performances are framed by multiple structures of difference. The chapter begins with a section on the relationship between biology and culture and focuses on gender diversity, gender identity, and the practices of gender. It discusses intersexuality, "trans" identity and androgyny. The chapter continues with sections focusing on contemporary femininity and masculinity and explores the concept of gender ranking. These issues emphasize the interaction or confluence of gender and other systems of difference.
Answer the following question fully in 5-7 sentences each:
1. What is the distinction between sex and gender? Explain the complexity of this distinction?
2. Understand the socially constructed traits of "masculinity" and "femininity," including the research by David and Brannon. Why are these terms in quotation marks?
3. In what ways do you think contemporary notions of masculinity are/are not changing? Give examples from your personal/family experiences.