Gender

Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksChapterpeer-review

Authors

  • Stephan Wallaschkowski
  • Mariëlle Feenstra

Gender, distinct from sex, refers to social dimensions of being male or female, encompassing traits, behaviors, and roles deemed typical and/or appropriate for men and women (e.g., long vs. short hair). Although partly rooted in biological differences, they are largely socially constructed and vary across societies and times (Wood & Eagly, 2012). People learn the gendered social norms of their socio-environment during their socialization from parents, peers, and other role models. Typically, they are internalized without active deliberation, which is why they are often erroneously considered “natural”. Because of their pervasiveness and ubiquity in everyday life, gender norms thus significantly influence our identity formation and subsequent self-concept. Consequently, common views of “masculinity” and “femininity” strongly shape our actions, interactions with others, and social (self-)positioning, including consumption patterns and attitudes toward sustainability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationVocabulary for Sustainable Consumption and Lifestyles : A Language for Our Common Future
EditorsLewis Akenji, Philip J. Vergragt, Halina Szejnwald Brown, Thomas S. J. Smith, Laura Maria Wallnöfer
Number of pages5
PublisherTaylor and Francis Inc.
Publication date01.01.2025
Pages45-49
ISBN (print)9781032952482
ISBN (electronic)9781040429242
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.01.2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2026 selection and editorial matter, Lewis Akenji, Philip J. Vergragt, Halina Szejnwald Brown, Thomas S.J. Smith and Laura Maria Wallnöfer; individual chapters, the contributors

DOI