Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
A binary construct refers to the traditional understanding of gender as consisting of only two categories: male and female. It assumes that individuals can only identify as either male or female, based on their biological sex.
Related terms
Non-binary Gender: Refers to genders that do not fit within the traditional binary construct. This includes gender identities such as genderqueer, genderfluid, or agender.
Gender Spectrum: Describes a range of identities beyond just male and female, acknowledging that gender exists on a continuum rather than being limited to two fixed options.