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
The binary model of gender refers to the belief that there are only two distinct and mutually exclusive genders, male and female.
Related terms
Non-Binary: Non-binary refers to individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female but rather fall outside of those traditional categories.
Gender identity is an individual's deeply-held sense of their own gender, which may not necessarily align with their assigned sex at birth.
Gender Expression: Gender expression involves how an individual presents themselves through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, and other outward expressions related to their gender identity.