Gender (definition from the American Psychological Association):
n. The socially constructed roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for different genders.
Gender Identity (definition from the Social Work Dictionary):
The relative degree to which an individual patterns himself or herself after members of the same sex.
Gender Expression (definition from the Oxford English Dictionary):
n. The outward expression of gender (as defined culturally or biologically) or of gender identity (as an individual’s personal sense), typically through behaviors, mannerisms, modes of dress, etc., that are culturally associated with masculinity or femininity
Transgender (definition from the Oxford English Dictioanry):
Adj. Designating a person whose sense of personal identity and gender do not correspond to that person’s sex at birth, or which does not otherwise conform to conventional notions of sex and gender
Cisgender (definition from the Oxford English Dictionary):
Adj. Designating a person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds to his or her sex at birth; of or relating to such persons
Two-Spirit (definition from the American Psychological Association):
n. Broad term used by some American Indian and Alaska Native people who identify outside the traditional gender boundary, and that encompasses their sexual, gender, cultural, and/or spiritual identities. The culture often views such individuals as having a special spiritual or guiding role in the community, and terms and roles can vary according to nation and community.
In social work practice, understanding gender, gender identity, and gender expression is essential to providing inclusive and affirming services that meet the unique needs of diverse individuals. Gender identity refers to an individual's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. This deeply personal aspect of self-concept can include identities such as male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along a spectrum, and is influenced by psychological, social, cultural, and personal experiences. Gender, on the other hand, encompasses the social, cultural, and behavioral roles and expectations that individuals adopt, which are fluid, socially constructed, and vary widely across cultures and communities. Recognizing that gender identity and expression are distinct from biological sex, social workers understand how these identities shape a person's experiences, opportunities, and challenges. Many individuals face discrimination, marginalization, or violence based on their gender identity or expression, which can impact mental health and well-being. Social workers are committed to creating safe, affirming environments for individuals of all gender identities—cisgender, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and beyond—advocating for their rights, promoting social justice, and ensuring that services are respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the intersecting factors of race, class, culture, and other aspects of identity.
Additional Resources:
Fly With Me tells the story of the pioneering women who became flight attendants at a time when single women were unable to order a drink, eat alone in a restaurant, own a credit card or get a prescription for birth control.
The key issues of men in society are presented in five clear and succinct presentations. Each one will stimulate considerable discussion of both male and more general multicultural issues.
In this conversational and at times humorous reflection, Williams offers her perspective on the everyday experiences lost, gained and once taken for granted in her journey of trans womanhood.
The design of this page was partly adapted from Research: By Course, Subject, or Topic, by University of Arizona Libraries, © 2020 The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
