How to Understand the Difference Between Sex and Gender

Last Updated: December 11, 2021

It is mistakenly taught or indicated that a person's gender is determined by their sex. This is not the case. Indeed, inappropriate word usage has resulted in sexual discrimination, which manifests itself as homophobia, transphobia, and the imposition of gendered expectations on people based on their bodies.

Steps

1
Understand the term "sex." The term sex refers to the combination of certain physical features; chromosomes, hormones, genitals, gonads and secondary sex characteristics). Male and female are human-created categories to which specific qualities are allocated.
- Sex isn't a binary term. People who don't fit cleanly into the restricted "male" or "female" categories are referred to as "intersex." About 1 in 1500 to 1 in 2000 people are born with atypical sexual features, which indicates sex variations are extremely under reported. Many people are intersex in a more subtle form that isn't visible when they are assigned a sex at birth.
2
Recognize "cultural norms". A healthcare professional assigns a sex to a newborn based on the appearance of external genitalia at birth. This "assigned sex" appears on the birth certificate as well as other legal and medical documents. Recognize what gender is. The term "gender" was coined to describe how society expects people of a given sex to act.
- The idea that "pink is for girls" and "blue is for boys," for example, is nothing more than a social construct we've been instructed to hold sacred. Gender identity, or one's internal sense of gender, is also referred to as "gender." It can be loosely characterized as the inside experience of being a man, woman, a mix of the two, neither, or something else different.
- Gender identity is extremely personal, making it difficult to express because everyone has a distinct experience with it.
- Keep in mind that the terms gender and gender identity relate to the same thing. Gender identity is more commonly used for trans persons, while gender is more commonly used for cisgender people. Despite the fact that many people use different language, they should be used interchangeably.
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3
Keep an eye out for hidden implications. We forget the true meanings of commonly used gender terms: "girl" refers to a preadolescent female, whereas "woman" refers to an adult female; nonetheless, society typically refers to anyone who fits the description of a female as a "girl" regardless of age.
- Be wary of the stereotype that women are sensitive and men are logical, vise versa. It's a logical fallacy. Gender has an impact on both sexes. Although persuading one sex to perform in a certain way is harmful, the majority of people nonetheless follow gendered behavior to avoid punishment.
4
Avoid misconceptions about gender and sexuality. When a man exhibits traditional feminine mannerisms, he is frequently assumed to be gay. Simultaneously, a woman who embraces conventional masculine features such as assertiveness or short hair is frequently chastised for her independence, and is sometimes called a lesbian because society cannot accept a woman who does not require a man.
- Stop thinking of people as masculine or feminine on purpose. Because pronouns like "he" and "she" are commonly used, try to use non-gendered pronouns like "they," especially if you don't know the pronoun of the person you're speaking with.
5
Don't make assumptions about people's pronouns. Because pronouns are so tightly linked to gender identity, the only method to learn someone's pronoun is to ask them. Make it a habit; it might help you modify your thoughts.
6
Study topics about gender identity. Consider your own sexuality and gender. Whatever they are, society is policing you to perform a certain way, and it is wrong — society can make it right. Understanding the difference between sex and gender takes patience.
7
Engage in change-oriented education. Inform others about the distinction between sex and gender to see if they can begin to modify their minds.
- While gender is frequently used to oppress people, it can also be used to affirm them when we all work together to reclaim the uniqueness of who we are and how we express ourselves and interact with others.
- Sex is a social construct that is frequently unrepresentative of genders. Gender identity and expression are constructs that are far more complicated than masculinity and femininity.
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Community Q&A

Question

Why are sex and gender important?

Community Answer

Sex is important for medical reasons. For example, someone assigned female at birth has a higher risk of osteoporosis, whereas a person assigned male at birth is at higher risk of having cardiovascular problems. Gender is important because it can be a key part of a person's identity. For example, transgender and nonbinary people may be constantly reminded that their body doesn't match who they are, and they can feel trapped as a result.
Question

What is the difference between gender socialization and gender stereotyping?

George Faith

Community Answer

Gender socialization is the process of learning the social expectations and attitudes associated with one's sex. In gender stereotyping, a specific gender is arbitrarily assigned characteristics and roles determined and limited by their gender.
Question

Why do I need to study gender?

Community Answer

Studying gender can help you understand the human condition more when it comes to self-expression. It can also help you become more understanding and aware of some of the issues facing the LGBT community.

Warnings

Terms like "biological sex" and "born female/male" should be avoided. Many transgender individuals prefer terminology; assigned male/female at birth (AMAB/AFAB).

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Make sure you're not spreading false information if you're educating people about gender identity.

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