Gendering Biology and Sociology Essay

Can we trammel gender both biologically and sociologically? That question is at the heading of the continuing debate between cultural and scientific researchers. The issue stems from a fundamental difference in how to explain gender definitions in an date of reference of fluid identities and particularized conceptions of the body. This brief essay leave alone outline the passage this debate has translaten in an attempt to see where it will take us in the future. Biologists and sociologists see the world in different ways.Biologists break away to believe that the natural world should form the basis of our understanding close life while sociologists believe that culture is the primary driving strength that creates our collective knowledge. In this way, a gap has been created between two competing theories close what and how gender should be defined. For example, sociologists critique the biological basis of gender because they presuppose that cultural practices influence wha t type of biology to undertake.Physical appearance, chromosomal sequencing, individual(prenominal) psychology, social norms, and many other factors are at work when we engage questions that transcend sexual difference and enter the realm of gender identity element definitions. In the realm of sports, we have seen how outdated scientific gender examen has proven to be unreliable in determining what counts as a male or female. As chairman of the International Olympic delegacy medical commission Arne Ljungqvist notes, Sometimes, fingers are pointed at particular female athletes, and in order to protect them, we have to be able to investigate it and clarify. (Thomas). In order to traverse this widening gap, sociologists and biologists need a common vocabulary and framework if we hope to come to a deeper understanding of gender and how it will influence our lives. Works Cited Thomas, Katie. (2008). A Lab Is Set to Test the gender of Some Olympic Athletes. July 30, 2008. The New Yo rk Times. Retrieved January 9, 2009 from http//www. nytimes. com/2008/07/30/sports/olympics/30gender. html