Community Conversation => Transgender talk => Topic started by: jenny_ on May 28, 2008, 10:52:25 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Why is gender so important?
Post by: jenny_ on May 28, 2008, 10:52:25 PM
Am I missing something.  Why do companies when asking for your details seem to always require your gender?  Even when they don't ask many questions, the gender question is always asked.  I understand it for things like medical records, but for most places, like banks I just don't get what they do with the information.  I mean they ask for your title so they don't use it to work out how to address you, and it isn't useful for stopping fraud since 3 billion people have the same gender.

It seems weird to me. Am i missing some really obvious use for it?
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: NickSister on May 28, 2008, 10:56:24 PM
Quote from: jenny_ on May 28, 2008, 10:52:25 PM
It seems weird to me. Am i missing some really obvious use for it?

It is a mystery to me too. I also find it a mystery why they require a 'title'.
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: Laurry on May 29, 2008, 12:06:17 AM
It is a mystery to me how it all started, too.  But I bet that now, the government probably demands it.
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: Eva Marie on May 29, 2008, 12:58:00 AM
In a word - demographics. Anyone asking gender/income/race/age/political/etc questions is trying to build a database of what they think you might be, and more importantly what you might buy. Demographics is all about the money.
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: Rachael on May 29, 2008, 01:11:22 AM
Its not important... atleast not to me... it just is.
R >:D
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: jenny_ on May 29, 2008, 03:12:23 AM
Quote from: riven_one on May 29, 2008, 12:58:00 AM
In a word - demographics. Anyone asking gender/income/race/age/political/etc questions is trying to build a database of what they think you might be, and more importantly what you might buy. Demographics is all about the money.

yeah thats true, but theres still companies that ask for only gender.
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: Shana A on May 29, 2008, 06:28:25 AM
I see no need having to check which gender I am in a box on a form. It's none of their @#$%^& business. grrrrr  >:(

Z
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: androgynetg on May 29, 2008, 07:40:51 AM
Quote from: jenny_ on May 28, 2008, 10:52:25 PM
Why do companies when asking for your details seem to always require your gender?

Because people treat people differently, depending on the gender of the one doing the asking and the one doing the telling. And depending on the gender you are presenting in, you will also get treated differently. Curiously enough, I get treated differently by my male and female co-workers. The fellas talk to me like a girl and the women treat me more like a male, I think they are a little confused ..  :angel:
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: Rachael on May 29, 2008, 09:25:07 AM
there are gender differences in society. If you dont like that. Start your own.... its that simple. I dont think society will ever abolish gender. Sorry guys.
R >:D
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: tekla on May 29, 2008, 11:20:01 AM
I don't think you abolish it, you get beyond it.  It happens slowly, but it is happening in many ways, and has been going on since the 1820s in a lot of ways.  You're just not paying attention. 

As for asking, in the US its almost mandatory, as its one of the markers that places have to keep for the government stat people.  Just fill in what you think you are, and go about your life.
Title: Re: Why is gender so important?
Post by: Chaunte on June 01, 2008, 09:05:03 PM
Gender data is used to show the government that they are not discriminating.  Ever notice the EEOC statement?  Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  They are the ones that keep tabs on things like this.

Chaunte