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Gender perception is the classification of individuals as male, female, or transgender based on physical cues. Social norms play a role in shaping gender perception, but some individuals are born with ambiguous genitalia or internal organs. The perception of gender is often in conflict with sexual orientation, and researchers study how cultural norms affect gender perception.
Gender perception is a term used to describe how individuals are classified as male, female, or transgender. These types of perceptions often depend on physical cues such as genitals, facial hair, and body structure. As a term, perceptions of gender can be used to describe group perceptions about gender, as well as individual perceptions about their own gender.
Throughout the world, gender perception is commonly used to classify people into two predominant categories: male or female. At birth, this determination is made by looking at a newborn’s genitals, and that particular gender classification tends to shape how the child is raised and taught to see himself. Social norms, in particular, play a role in how a person views their gender and how their gender is perceived by others. For example, newborn girls and boys are dressed in different colors and styles of clothing as well as being offered different toys to play with as they begin to develop. Taught to look, behave, and perceive themselves as male or female, this gender assignment is generally accepted by the child and by others throughout their lives.
In a small number of cases, however, babies are born with ambiguous genitalia. Others are born with definite male or female external characteristics, but are endowed with internal characteristics normally found in the opposite sex. For example, a child may outwardly appear male while possessing internal organs unique to females, such as ovaries. Identified as intersex, the common markers used to define perceptions of gender in others often do not apply to this group of people.
Some are born with internal and external anatomical characteristics of one sex, but are forced to change these characteristics later in life. These changes can be implemented through surgery or other means. An example of the latter may include an anatomical male receiving hormonal injections to facilitate breast growth, soften skin, and reduce facial hair. Individuals who make such a choice are commonly identified as transgender. Even without medical injections, a person can choose to change their perception of gender by wearing clothing, makeup, and hairstyles commonly associated with another gender without actually altering the body.
Theories of perception are often studied in conjunction with sexual orientation. The perception of gender is often in conflict with commonly assumed orientations. For example, a woman may be sexually attracted to men, women, or both genders. The same is true for men, as well as transgender populations. This leads many to conclude that perceptions of gender are not always clear, nor are common perceptions always reliable indicators of the gender roles people will engage in throughout their lives.
Researchers and stakeholders in the psychology of perception frequently study gender perception, in particular. Special emphasis is often placed on how this type of perception relates to cultural norms around the world. Even among individuals who don’t officially study theories of perception, strong conclusions are often formed about gender norms and how they relate to things like heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and asexuality based on perceptions.
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