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Gender Issues

Gender is a socially constructed system of classification that ascribes qualities of masculinity and femininity to people. An aspect of all known cultures, gender is continually being reinterpreted and varies greatly from culture to culture. Words that refer to gender include: woman, man, feminine, masculine, transgender and genderqueer. Transgender is an umbrella term referring to behavior and attitudes that challenge conventional gender roles, responsibilities and relationships. The term genderqueer describes people who purposely blur gender lines, challenge gender norms and often adopt androgynous personas.

Because gender is such a core cultural definer, virtually any subject can benefit from an understanding of the gender dynamics associated with it. There are gender issues related to sexuality, the body, race and class, business and politics, health, developing societies, sports and leisure, law, the media, leadership and many other areas. Gender dynamics are evident in education, in the workplace, in relationships, in virtually every aspect of life.

Major gender issues related to female college students include sexual assault and body image and self-esteem, sometimes linked to eating disordered behavior. Leadership and gender equity are also significant gender issues for academic institutions.