Define Gender.
Vitalism is a philosophical and scientific concept that posits the existence of a vital force or life energy distinct from physical and chemical processes. It suggests that living organisms are animated by an intrinsic principle or essence that cannot be reduced to purely material or mechanistic expRead more
Vitalism is a philosophical and scientific concept that posits the existence of a vital force or life energy distinct from physical and chemical processes. It suggests that living organisms are animated by an intrinsic principle or essence that cannot be reduced to purely material or mechanistic explanations. Vitalism historically contrasted with mechanistic views that sought to explain life solely through physical and chemical processes.
In vitalist thought, life is not merely the sum of its physical and chemical components but involves a non-material, vital force or energy that differentiates living from non-living entities. This concept has roots in ancient philosophy and became influential during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially before the advent of modern biology.
However, with the rise of molecular biology and the scientific revolution, vitalism declined as a dominant perspective. Modern biology largely adheres to a reductionist and materialistic framework, explaining life processes through cellular and molecular mechanisms without invoking a separate vital force. While vitalism is not widely accepted in contemporary scientific discourse, echoes of its ideas persist in holistic and alternative approaches to health and wellness.
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Gender refers to the social, cultural, and behavioral attributes, roles, and expectations associated with being male or female within a given society. Unlike biological sex, which is based on physical and physiological differences, gender is a socially constructed concept that encompasses a range ofRead more
Gender refers to the social, cultural, and behavioral attributes, roles, and expectations associated with being male or female within a given society. Unlike biological sex, which is based on physical and physiological differences, gender is a socially constructed concept that encompasses a range of identities and expressions. It encompasses norms, roles, and expectations that societies assign to individuals based on their perceived or assigned sex.
Gender identity is an individual's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. Gender expression involves how individuals outwardly manifest their gender identity, including behavior, clothing, and other personal choices.
Societal norms and expectations around gender vary widely across cultures and historical periods, leading to diverse understandings of masculinity and femininity. Contemporary discussions on gender also acknowledge a spectrum beyond the binary categories of male and female, recognizing non-binary, genderqueer, and other identities.
Understanding gender is crucial for addressing issues of gender equality, discrimination, and the diverse ways in which individuals experience and express their gender identity within the complex interplay of culture, society, and individual identity.
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