What are genders?
Genders refer to the social, psychological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of being a man, woman, or other gender identity. Gender is a complex and dynamic concept that varies across cultures and societies. It encompasses gender identity, which is a person's internal sense of their gender, gender attribution, which involves how others perceive someone's gender, and gender expression, which is how someone presents their gender through behavior, appearance, and other means124.
Key Concepts in Understanding Gender
- Gender Identity: This is a personal identification with a particular gender and can differ from the sex assigned at birth. It is an internal experience and may not align with societal expectations14.
- Gender Expression: This refers to how someone presents their gender through clothing, behavior, and other external factors. It can be masculine, feminine, androgynous, or non-conforming24.
- Gender Roles: These are the social expectations and behaviors associated with being male or female in a particular culture. They are learned and can vary significantly across different societies13.
- Non-binary and Third Genders: Some cultures recognize genders beyond the traditional male/female binary, such as non-binary or third genders like hijras in South Asia12.
Distinction from Sex
- Sex refers to the biological characteristics that define humans as male, female, or intersex, including chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs34.
- Gender is a social construct that involves the roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female, which can vary widely across cultures13.
Diversity in Gender Identities
There are numerous gender identities beyond the traditional binary, including but not limited to: