Chapter Goals

After studying this chapter, you should be able to do the following:

1. Describe how anthropologists define sex, gender, and sexuality.
2. Appreciate how anthropologists study the ways culture influences categories, variations, and lived experiences of sex, gender, and sexuality.
3. Explain how sexuality and gender are embedded in systems of globalization and social inequality.
4. Understand how anthropological perspectives on sex, gender, and sexuality can be helpful for the church.

---

Chapter Outline

Introduction

Sex

Gender

Sexuality

Anthropological Contributions to the Church

---

Terms

bakla

burqa

female circumcision (also female genital mutilation [FGM])

gender

gender role

gender socialization

gender status

intersex

kula ring

purdah

quinceañera

sex

sexual dimorphism

sexual identity

sexuality

third gender

two-spirit (also berdache)

---

Discussion Questions

1. Tell a story about a time you encountered a gender norm (a status or role) that was different from the gender norms of your background. How did you recognize it as different? How did you respond to the difference?
2. In your opinion, what is the most important thing Christians need to do as they address difficult issues of gender and sexuality in church and society? How could anthropological concepts or perspectives be helpful?
3. If you had to pick one, which social factor do you think most strongly contributes to social inequality in society today: sex, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, race, or social class? Explain your choice.

---