For many years discussions of sexuality were informed by a distinction between 'sex' and 'gender.' The sex of a person was judged to be 'biologically determined' and their gender to be 'culturally and socially constructed' (Abercrombie, Hill and Turner, 1988: 103). Gender roles are frequently based around the ideas that women are expected to be more passive and emotional and men more assertive and rational. "The first type of essentialism that can be found in this area [music and gender] is the idea that men and women 'express' some ...

• Word Count: 2281
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate