Distinguishing sex and gender

Rose McDermott, Peter K. Hatemi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

We argue for the importance of adequately distinguishing between the concepts of sex, gender, and sexual orientation. We review the literature across disciplines to suggest ways that political scientists might benefit by taking into account important biological distinctions in addition to cultural factors regarding sex, gender, and sexuality in their research. We clarify the distinction between these concepts in an effort to help reduce discrimination and defuse misconceptions, stereotypes, and imposed social roles. We believe that it would be fruitful for us as a discipline to better communicate this research to the wider public in the hope that public opinion and elite discourse will shift in a more tolerant and positive direction as a result.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)89-92
Number of pages4
JournalPS - Political Science and Politics
Volume44
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Sociology and Political Science

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