When we talk about “sex,” we mean a person’s physiological, biological qualities, emphasizing their sexual reproductive characteristics, such as penis, testes, and sperm for men and feminine sexual characteristics for women (vagina, ovaries, eggs). As for gender, it is a more nuanced concept that refers to a person or society’s definition of what it means to be feminine, masculine, or androgynous. These social constructions influence one’s gender identity and expression and how others perceive those expressions. Newborns are assigned a sex (male or female) based on their external genitalia during prenatal care or birth. Occasionally, a baby will have sex ambiguity or even multiple sexes. In the past, parents and doctors might label these children as “intersex,” but that practice has fallen out of favor in recent years. Gender identity develops through time in children, adolescents, and adults. Regardless of Sex, a person’s psychological identity makes them feel like a girl/woman or a boy/man inside. Internally, this is a feature that may or may not be visible. Most people’s gender identity matches their Sex. Therefore most men and women are comfortable calling themselves “boys” or “men,” respectively(Udry,2019).
When a person decides to identify as either masculine or feminine in their society, they express their gender identity. There are only two ways to display one’s gender: adhering to socially prescribed gender roles or defying them. When it comes to expressing one’s gender, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. In the United States, a woman’s femininity is expressed through her choice of clothing and makeup. If you’re from outside of the United States, you’re not considered “cross-dressing,” even though you’re wearing the same makeup and skirt as everyone else. It is common for cultures to promote notions about what the majority considers “acceptable” gender expressions, and usually ideas about how the masculine and feminine should be regarded as distinct.
A person’s sexual orientation refers to their romantic or sexual sentiments towards another person. Some of the more well-known varieties of sexuality are heterosexuality, or attraction to people of the opposite sex or gender, and homosexuality, or attraction to those of the Same-Sex or gender. More and more research has shown that human Sex can vary widely from one person to the next and even change over time, particularly in women. It’s also critical to recognize that, while it’s linked to broader ideas about Sex and gender, sexual orientation can also be distinct. Regardless of one’s gender identity, sexual and romantic attachment to men and women can be represented in many different methods.For example, a person who was born male but has gender identity as a woman and externally expresses femininity may like men and women (sexual orientation). Transgender people can be heterosexual or homosexual, depending on their preferences.
Differences between Gender and Sex
Gender and Sex are very closely related, but they have significant features that set them apart. Gender and Sex are separated in the following described criteria. Gender refers to how a person or society perceives what it means to be feminine or masculine in appearance, behavior, and expression. Gender identity and expression, as well as how others perceive it, are socially constructed constructions. Male and female reproductive systems are considered “sex” in terms of their physical and biological characteristics, including the penis, testes, and sperm for the males and the uterus, ovaries, and eggs for the women.Males and females are affected by gender in terms of gender identity, expression, and roles. However, when it comes to sex, a person’s looks and functions physically and sexually are affected by Sex. Sex also affects our chromosomes, responsible for our personality and our sex drives.There are many different types and subcategories of Sex and gender. Non-binary concepts like gender are frequently referred to as “non-binary” concepts. Cisgender is the most prevalent gender. Trans*, genderqueer, and other non-binary gender identities are examples of this. Males and females are the two primary genders that make up the binary idea of Sex. However, Intersex, a third variety, has just been discovered.Following are some examples of gender roles. Many shared characteristics, attributes, and stereotypes are applied to both men and women, although gender is unique and distinguishable. Example: Color Blue is for boys, pink for girls; gender-based conceptions. Pants for males and skirts for women are the norm, with men in charge and women obediently following in their wake. Followers are typically female. A man is supposed to be the household leader, while women are his followers or aids. Women are referred to as “necks” while men are referred to as “heads” of the family(Michael,2017).
Males undergo a metamorphosis in physical development during puberty, including breaking their voices, having wet dreams, having their shoulders widen, and becoming attracted to people of the opposite gender. Girls’ bodies undergo significant changes during puberty. During puberty, girls experience menstrual flow, widening of the hips, breast development and enlargement, and an increased attraction to men of the Opposite Sex. In terms of bodily Changes, the following does happen. Changing a person’s gender is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Wearing men’s attire while wanting to wear women’s can be an example of an expression against one’s feelings. When it comes to sex roles, the latest technology can be used to alter them. Both males and females can have Sex reassignment surgery or hormone replacement therapy to alter their Sex. Gender identity disorder sometimes referred to as gender dysphoria, is one of the most common disorders connected with gender. Intersex disorders, sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted illnesses, and paraphilias are some of the disorders associated with Sex(Prince,2005).
References
Michael S. (2017). The gendered society (Sixth ed.). New York. p. 3. ISBN978-0-19-026031-6. OCLC949553050.
Prince, Virginia. ( 2005). “Sex vs. Gender.” International Journal of Transgenderism. 8(4).
Udry, J.(2019). “The Nature of Gender” (PDF). Demography. 31 (4): 561–573.
doi:10.2307/2061790. JSTOR2061790. PMID7890091. Archived (PDF) from the originally on 2016-12-11.
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