Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Gender refers to the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female. It is a complex concept that goes beyond biological sex.
Related terms
Sex: Refers to the biological differences between males and females, such as reproductive organs and chromosomes.
Gender Identity: The deeply held sense of being male, female, or something else, which may not necessarily align with one's assigned sex at birth.
Gender Roles: Societal expectations and norms about how males and females should behave based on their gender.