Gender and sex

Let’s start by explaining what sex is. Sex (also known as biological sex) is a set of anatomical and physiological features which allow most living beings to be divided based on their reproductive functions. Or, at least, that is the simplified explanation one finds in a dictionary. According to most societies, there are two sexes: male and female. However, some people are intersex individuals – in other words, their chromosomes, anatomy, or sexual characteristics cannot be categorized as exclusively male or female. Sex is usually associated with biological characteristics: a set of chromosomes, the appearance of the genitals, and so on.

Gender, in turn, refers to socioculturally constructed expectations of what it means to be a woman or a man. This includes the roles, types of behavior, activities, and traits that society considers acceptable for women and men (femininity and masculinity). Femininity and masculinity are acquired in the process of socialization and do not describe an individual’s sexual orientation or biological nature. During the course of their lives, most people learn appropriate norms and behaviors – for example, what they should look like and how they should interact with others. When individuals or groups do not meet the established gender norms, they often face stigmatization, discrimination or social exclusion. All of this can affect their lives in negative ways.

The words “sex” and “gender” are sometimes used interchangebly, but they are quite different. If you want a simple example of how our gender expectations shape society, just go to a toy store. You’ll probably see a white and pink section for girls and a colorful one for boys. In the girls’ department you’ll probably find various dolls, toy houses and kitchens, children’s utensils, strollers. The boys’ section will probably display cars, planes, guns and superhero costumes. That is, little girls are taught that one day they’ll be expectant mothers and housewives, while boys can be defenders, firefighters, soldiers, and so on.

In other words, the term “gender” is used to signify all of the socially entrenched roles, behaviors, activities, and characteristics that a society considers appropriate for women and men

These characteristics, opportunities and relationships are constructed by our society and then assimilated by us in the process of socialization. They depend on the context, time and have the ability to change.