1 - Gender as a category of analysis in the social sciences

Summary

Abstract

Gender is a broader category than the simple distinction between the sexes – it shows the relationship and the influence of social institutions on perceptions and the development through socialization of femininity and masculinity. The term gender is not clearly understood, making it necessary to accurately define the category that will be used in the studies carried out in the framework of the ‘Innovative Gender’ as a New Source of Progress project. The purpose of this chapter is to develop a definition of gender which can become the basis of the concept of innovative gender. To this end, we show the origins of the concept of gender as established in psychology. Then, considerations are transferred to the social sciences, which introduces a new aspect, namely the concepts of gender are shifted to the level of social relations from the previously studied level of the individual. In the social sciences, economics is highlighted, and the opportunities that the introduction to this science of the analysis of gender are opening up.

Key words: gender, psychology, social sciences, economics

Introduction

The term “gender” is not clearly understood, both in society and scientific considerations it appears with numerous interpretations. Gender can be translated as the differentiation between women and men, as the social relations established in the differences between the sexes, or as a set of specific characteristics attributed to individuals. This ambiguity makes it necessary to accurately define the category that will be used in the studies carried out in the framework of the ‘Innovative Gender’ as a New Source of Progress project. The purpose of this chapter is to develop a definition of gender which can become the basis for the concept of innovative gender.

The first part of the chapter presents the genesis of the concept of gender established in psychology and disseminated by the feminist movement. This section focuses on the achievements of the psychological sciences. In the second section, considerations are transferred to the social sciences, which introduces a new aspect, namely the concepts of gender are shifted to the level of social relations from the previously studied level of the individual. In the social sciences, economics is highlighted, and the opportunities that the introduction to this science of the analysis of gender are opening up.