The difference between sex and gender lies primarily in their definitions and origins: Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define humans as female, male, or intersex. These characteristics include chromosomes, hormone levels, reproductive/sexual anatomy, and gene expression. Sex is usually assigned at birth based on physical attributes, but there is natural variation and some individuals may have sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female (e.g., intersex people)
. Gender , on the other hand, is a social and cultural construct that encompasses the roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities that societies consider appropriate for women, men, and gender-diverse people. Unlike sex, gender is not fixed or strictly binary; it exists along a continuum and can change over time. Gender influences how people perceive themselves and others, how they act and interact, and how power and resources are distributed in society. It involves expectations, norms, and socialization processes that vary across cultures and historical periods
. In summary:
- Sex = biological attributes (chromosomes, anatomy, hormones)
- Gender = socially constructed roles, behaviors, and identities related to being male, female, or other gender identities
This distinction clarifies that while sex is based on physical and biological traits, gender is about identity and social roles shaped by culture and experience
. Additionally, gender identity is a person's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with their assigned sex at birth
