Sex and gender are two concepts that are usually used as synonyms. However, its meaning is quite different and it is convenient to know the differences between the two.
On the contrary, gender refers to the set of behaviors and ideas that society considers appropriate for each of the sexes. Gender is expressed through actions and behavior, it is dynamic. Unlike sex, this cannot be objectively determined by specific indicators, since it is a psychological phenomenon of a symbolic nature.
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Sex and gender: who is who?
An erroneous belief in this sense has to do with the assumption that men and women have different abilities. Although both have differential biological characteristics, this does not imply that they have different emotional, affective or intellectual traits based on sex.
These types of beliefs usually link the female sex with passivity, sensitivity or helpfulness, while the male sex is conceived as synonymous with strength, leadership or productivity. In this way, women have traditionally been relegated to roles related to nurturing and care, while men have held positions of power and production.
This is not the result of the sex with which each one is born biologically, but of a series of social constructions that are imposed depending on whether one is born male or female, which is called gender. Gender has to do with those constructions of masculinity and femininity, which are forged according to the influence of the family, the media, education, etc.
Understanding the difference between sex and gender is of crucial importance, as it allows us to understand phenomena such as gender violence or transsexuality. Understanding that women and men do not have different intellectual and emotional attributes according to their sex and that this is the result of educational and cultural factors is a first step in combating inequality, sexism and violence by men towards women.
On the other hand, there is increasing cultural recognition of the fact that some people may not conform to the gender that has been imposed on them based on their sex , or may even reject the traditional male-female dichotomy altogether, identifying themselves as non-binary individuals, for example. However, there is still a lot of confusion with these two concepts (gender and sex), and therefore it is necessary to clarify their differences, something that we are going to do in this article below.
How are gender and sex different?
As we have been commenting, it is important to differentiate both concepts, since it is common for them to be used interchangeably when they have different meanings.
1. Gender is socially constructed, sex is biologically given
As we have been commenting, sex is a concept based on biological elements . Instead, gender is a construction in which the ideas and expectations of society intervene. This explains how the canons of beauty associated with women and men have been changing. Thus, certain physical characteristics highly valued in women and considered attractive centuries ago do not coincide with the current ones.
For example, in the Renaissance the ideal was a woman with a rounded body, white skin and small, firm breasts, something far removed from what is now considered aesthetic and attractive in the female sex. Although what is considered appropriate for each sex varies depending on the time, the male-female dichotomy has remained unchanged, since the fact that we are all born with certain sexual organs has not changed.
2. Sex is dichotomous, but gender is a continuum
As we have been commenting, sex is a category defined by objective biological characteristics. Although there are exceptional cases in which sex can manifest itself in unusual ways, the general rule is that it is clearly defined thanks to certain indicators, which are essentially the genitals, the gonads and the chromosomes.
On the contrary, gender is defined by social and cultural factors , which makes it a much more subjective and, therefore, broader entity. Far from closed categories and dichotomies, gender constitutes a continuum that admits very diverse manifestations. Although there are those who can feel comfortable with the gender that is expected of them according to their sex, this does not always happen.
The diversity that exists in this sense is increasingly recognized, so that some people can show behaviors that are located in intermediate points of that continuum. Some individuals may identify as gender nonbinary, meaning that their self-designated identity is not perceived as fully masculine or feminine.
People of non-binary gender can identify with a third gender outside the binary (what is known as non-binary gender), with two (bigender), three (trigender) or more genders (pangender) simultaneously. Similarly, some gender nonbinary people are gender fluid, transitioning between two or more genders sporadically or continuously. In some cases, gender nonbinary people may also be considered agender, meaning they do not identify with either gender.
3. Sex conditions our reproductive role regardless of gender
This is another of the essential differences between sex and gender. Although gender admits infinite manifestations, it does not modify what is biologically given according to the sex of each person. Therefore, gender cannot change the reproductive role of individuals . For example, a woman has a different reproductive role than a man regardless of her perceptions of her gender. Although gender affects the way in which this fact is lived, it cannot modify the role in reproduction.
4. Sex can be objectified, gender cannot
As we have already mentioned, sex is a concept that is defined according to objective indicators . The genitals, the gonads and the chromosomes indicate whether a person is biologically male or female.
On the contrary, gender is an experience that is subjective and is modulated by social and cultural factors. The gender of each person cannot be objectified with specific indicators, it cannot be measured or fit into closed categories. It is a personal perception that can manifest itself in infinite ways.
5. Sex is immutable, gender can be changed
Sex, being something determined by biological indicators with which we are born, is immutable. This means that, on its own, it cannot change. Of course, medical advances have allowed many people to perform a sex change through surgical interventions. However, unless these measures are applied, a person will not be able to change the sex with which they were born.
On the contrary, gender, being something learned and modulated by sociocultural influences, can be modifiable . For example, promoting equal education free of gender stereotypes makes it possible to combat phenomena such as gender violence and discrimination against women in multiple areas of life. That is, the expectations and what is considered correct for each sex is something that can be modified.
Conclusions
In this article we have compiled some key differences that allow us to distinguish the concepts of gender and sex. Around them there is usually a lot of confusion and this means that, erroneously, they are used indistinctly. However, they refer to quite different issues.
Sex is an aspect that is defined by biological indicators, such as genitalia, gonads or chromosomes . All people are born with a sex determined by these indicators, so it is a dichotomous concept, in which there are two possibilities: being a man or a woman. The sex of each one is something immutable, so that it cannot be modified unless medical interventions expressly oriented to this end are carried out.
Instead, gender is an aspect that is conditioned by sociocultural factors. This refers to the expectations and what is considered appropriate for each of the sexes in a society. Therefore, it is something learned and subjective, where closed dichotomies cannot be established. The genre covers a wide spectrum, a continuum where there are countless manifestations. Many people do not identify with the gender imposed by society, which gives rise to what is known as non-binary gender. The subjectivity of the genre and the fact that it is conditioned by culture and society mean that it can undergo modifications and variations.
Knowing the differences between sex and gender is crucial to understand many realities that, fortunately, are becoming more visible, although much remains to be done . The diversity that can occur in human sexuality must be understood and known, as this is essential for the well-being of people who move away from the imposed regulations.
Similarly, the differentiation between gender and sex makes it possible to break with many sexist beliefs that attribute differential intellectual and emotional capacities to men and women according to their sex.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.