Reference no: EM133296229

If two sexes do not reflect the range of possibilities found in human genitalia and hormones, are two genders sufficient to accommodate the variations we find in human behavior? The binary system of gender is so deeply ingrained in our culture and seems so "natural," that it is difficult to imagine a non-binary gender system. There are, however, cultures in the world that do not divide people into only male or female. These cultures have a gender category for people who exhibit, physically or behaviorally, a combination of male and female characteristics. This week's readings and presentations will introduce you to what is commonly referred to as third genders. As many topics in anthropology, the discussion of gender plurality is a sensitive one and anthropologists do their best to remain open-minded and objective when trying to better understand cross-cultural variation of human behavior. As such, please try not to generalize when making a point and remember that behavioral norms-distinction between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, vary cross-culturally.