Title: The Sociology of Gender: Overview
Headings: The Sociology of Gender: Overview
The Sociology of Gender: Overview
Table of Contents
Sex/Gender Distinction
Social Construction of Gender
Masculinity and Femininity
Critiquing the Sex/Gender Binary
Queer Theory
Transgender
Intersectionality
Major Sociological Theories
Structural Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Feminist Theory
Symbolic Interactionism
About Astha Nain

Content: Transgender
The gender binary between male and female is a modern concept propagated by western science and imposed upon non-western cultures through colonization. Many cultures in pre colonized era not only recognized other genders but also deeply respected them. Gender fluidity is still the norm in many African cultures. Here we look at two such communities. The Hijra community in India consisting of eunuchs, intersex and transgender people was recognized as the third gender along with the rest of the transgender community. However, the hijra community does not associate itself with the rest of the transgender community as it has a separate culture which has been passed down through generations by the ‘gharanas’. Hijras have traditionally been associated with ‘ Ardhnareshwar ’, a form of Shiva and Parvati. They are believed to have divine connections with God since they are above the gender confines. They were considered to hold religious authority and were sought for blessings. The Navajo Native American culture recognized two other genders known as the ‘Two Spirits’ which are the feminine man ( nádleehí) and masculine woman ( dilbaa ).