Introduction to Theories of Gender and Sex

What you’ll learn to do: summarize the key ideas behind the three theoretical perspectives on gender and sexuality

A grey restroom sign showing the gender symbols for woman, man, a gender neutral or gender non-conforming person and a baby. The sign reads "All Gender Restroom" in large letters and then "Anyone can use this restroom, regardless of gender identity or expression" in smaller letters.

We can examine issues of gender, sex, sexual orientation, and sexuality through the three major sociological perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. How does feminist theory address both both micro and macrosociological approaches? How do sociological theories help us explain and/or predict the complexities of human sexuality and gender role norms? Read on to learn more.