Colloquially, the terms “masculinity” and “femininity” are used to refer to a certain idea of appearance, values, social roles, behaviour, attitudes and professional interests. These ideas are linked to certain stereotypes that prevail in a society.
However, stereotypes are not “natural”. They are influenced by social norms that are considered “right” by a group of people at a certain time and place. Politics, economics, religion, tradition have an influence on them as well as social change. In this respect, although there are stereotypical statements about what is considered “typically” male or female (e.g. clothing, hairstyle, colours), at the same time we can see from history, pop culture and in a general cultural comparison that these “typical” attributions are very variable, mix and constantly reassemble.
* The common understanding of relevant terms of sexual education is an important fact in order to discuss and communicate about sexuality “unexcited”. Our goal is to open these discussions and to inform about our attitude and background. The definition of this glossary content we have agreed on as a project team to prove best practice and quality assurance.
