The Distinction Between Sex and Gender
The physical or physiological distinction between female and male individuals is referred to as sex. Sexual characteristics such as the reproductive system and secondary traits such as height and masculinity are used to define the term.
Understanding Gender
Gender, on the other hand, is described as the community's perception of female or male behavior, social roles, and individual characteristics. As a result, a person's gender is not dictated by his or her biological sex.
Primary Sex Differentiation
According to Gilman Perkins, the primary sex differentiation in the human race, analogous to other races, is based solely on the vital organs and their reproductive functions. The description is the same as the one in the novel.
Secondary Distinctions
More so, Gilman is of the opinion that the secondary distinction are the overall variance in organ and functionality, the looks and appearance, manner and habits, and methods that are used to distinguish men and women.
Females in the Human Race
Females in the human race are considered the weak gender. However, Perkins believes that the distinction of the female based on their physical ability is oversexed.
Natural Differentiation of Animals
To prove the point, Gilman Perkins believes in the natural differentiation of animals. The male animal is physically built to fight, and that describes their masculinity while the female animals have the instinct of providing and taking care of their young ones. The distinction does not hinder or limit the ability of the female animals.
Unnatural Distinction in Humans
However, based on the human race, the distinction of the male and the female is emphasized with the main aim of painting feminism as a weakness. Humans have differentiated their virtues as well as responsibilities along sexual lines. The distinction is unnatural because we have held that males should do certain things and act in given ways, but they should not do another way. Such beliefs are contrary to nature.
The Emphasis on Sex Distinction
In conclusion, from birth, humans use all means to emphasize the distinction based on sex, and that gives the male child an upper advantage over the female child since human beings consider almost all attributes to be masculine.
