Key Terms
Anthropology
The study of human societies and cultures.
Sociocultural anthropology
The subfield that explores cultural variation, norms, and values. Primary lens for this chapter.
Ethnography
The systematic study of human cultures; the primary qualitative research method used by anthropologists. Researchers liv
Heteronormativity
The assumption that heterosexuality is the default or natural norm for social organization.
Gender
Characteristics of femininity and masculinity that emerge as social norms and manifest in sociocultural practices and id
Gender binary
The classification of gender into two distinct, opposite, disconnected forms (masculine/feminine). This is NOT a univers
Third gender
A concept in which individuals are categorized as neither man nor woman. Anthropology documents third, fourth, and fifth
Gender variance (also gender nonconformity)
Behavior or gender expression that does not match masculine or feminine gender norms.
Gender dysphoria
Distress felt when gender identity does not match sex assigned at birth. TESTABLE DETAIL: Western gender dysphoria does
Gender fluidity
Moving between gender embodiments.
Gender neutrality
Embodying neither male nor female.
Intersex
Individuals born with combinations in sex characteristics (chromosomes, gonads, hormones, or genitals) that are neither
Identity
Qualities, beliefs, personality, expressions that make up a person or group. Not all cultures organize sexuality and gen
Sexuality
The way people experience and express themselves sexually, involving biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or
Queer theory
Field of critical theory that emerged early 1990s from lesbian and gay studies and women's studies. Challenges and overt