Concept of Sex
In humans and animals, “sex” refers to a collection of biological characteristics. Typically, sex is classified as either male or female. Without surgery, it is widespread and mostly unchanged. The biological difference between men and women is reflected in sex. It is inherent to us and does not vary from location to place or change over time.
Concept of Gender
Gender diversity encompasses the roles, behaviours, expressions, and identities that are socially formed for girls, women, boys, men, and other gender identities. It affects how individuals behave and interact, how they see themselves and one another, and how power and resources are distributed in society. The spectrum of traits that define and distinguish between masculine and femininity is known as gender.
Difference Between Sex and Gender
The World Health Organisation summarises the difference between sex and gender in the following way:
- Sex refers to “the different biological and physiological characteristics of males and females, such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, hormones, etc.”
- Gender refers to “the socially constructed characteristics of women and men – such as norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men. It varies from society to society and can be changed.”
SEX |
GENDER |
| Biological characteristics (including genetics, anatomy and physiology) that generally define humans as female or male. | Socially constructed set of roles and responsibilities associated with being girl and boy or women and men, and in some cultures a third or other gender |
| Born with. | Not born with. |
| Natural | Learned |
| Can not be changed, except with medical treatment. | Although deeply rooted, gender roles can be changed over time, since social values and norms are not static. |
| Sex has two main categories: male and female. | Gender has two main categories: masculine and feminine. |
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