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CRE101 Culture and Society

This guide is meant to provide resources for the cultural diversity modules in CRE101.

Questions to Consider

1) How do we form and shape our gender identity?

2) How do you remain true to yourself?

3) What is masculinity? What is femininity? How do you know?

Articles

Gender Identity
Both sociologists and psychologists define gender identity as the differing cultural and social roles that men and women inhabit, as well as the ways in which individuals experience those roles, both internally and in terms of the ways they present themselves to the world through their manner of dress, behavior, physical comportment, and so forth. From the Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender.
Gender Roles
Gender roles are sets of culturally defined behaviors such as masculinity and femininity. From the Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender.
Femininity
Femininity is commonly understood to refer to a collection of qualities or attributes associated with women in distinction from men, whose own qualities are signified by the antonym masculinity. Yet precisely what qualities qualify as feminine (or masculine) is subject to discussion and contention, as is whether such qualities should be considered innate essences or cultural norms. From the International Encyclopedia of the Social Science.
Masculinity
Many contemporary researchers of masculinity have suggested that a unitary conception of masculinity provides an illusionary heterogeneous perception of the masculine gender. From the Encyclopedia of Sex and Gender.
For trans women of color facing 'epidemic' of violence, each day is a fight for survival: 'I'm an endangered species… but I cannot stop living'
Two Recent Murders of Black Trans Women in Texas Reveal a Nationwide Crisis, Advocates Say

Videos

The Urgency of Intersectionality

Now more than ever, it's important to look boldly at the reality of race and gender bias -- and understand how the two can combine to create even more harm. Kimberlé Crenshaw uses the term "intersectionality" to describe this phenomenon; as she says, if you're standing in the path of multiple forms of exclusion, you're likely to get hit by both. In this moving talk, she calls on us to bear witness to this reality and speak up for victims of prejudice.

Is Anatomy Destiny?

Alice Dreger works with people at the edge of anatomy, such as conjoined twins and intersexed people. In her observation, it's often a fuzzy line between male and female, among other anatomical distinctions. Which brings up a huge question: Why do we let our anatomy determine our fate?

Why I Must Come Out

When fashion model Geena Rocero first saw a photo of herself in a bikini, "I thought ... you have arrived!" As she reveals, that's because she was born with the gender assignment "boy." In this moving talk, Rocero tells the story of becoming who she always knew she was.

A Powerful Poem About What It Feels Like to Be Transgendered

"I was the mystery of an anatomy, a question asked but not answered," says poet Lee Mokobe, a TED Fellow, in this gripping and poetic exploration of identity and transition. It's a thoughtful reflection on bodies, and the meanings poured into them.

Why Gender Identity Justice Matters for Everyone

Have you ever been put in the position to defend or explain your gender identity? If not, you’re probably cisgender, meaning your gender identity matches the sex on your birth certificate. However, for people who don't relate to gender binary norms or don't feel they fall neatly into "female" or "male" identity boxes, finding validation and acceptance for their true selves is often very difficult. Exploring nonconforming gender identities can be particularly hard for young people, who usually feel increased pressure to fit in. sj Miller (no pronoun used) explores social justice and gender identity for kids and young adults, and believes that we need to start building literacy and compassion around the complex topic of gender in schools and beyond. Watch sj's 2018 TEDMED Talk to learn more about gender identity and nonconformity, and the role we can all play in building a more inclusive and just world.