Sex and gender are related concepts, but they refer to different aspects of human identity.
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Sex:
- Biological and Physical Characteristics: Sex refers to the biological and physiological attributes that distinguish individuals as male, female, or intersex. This includes reproductive organs, chromosomes (e.g., XX for females, XY for males), hormones, and secondary sexual characteristics (like breast development in females and facial hair in males).
- Assigned at Birth: Individuals are typically assigned a sex (male or female) at birth based on physical anatomy.
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Gender:
- Social and Cultural Constructs: Gender refers to the roles, behaviors, activities, expectations, and norms that society considers appropriate for men, women, and non-binary individuals. It encompasses a range of identities that do not always fit within traditional notions of male or female.
- Identity and Expression: Gender identity is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves, which may or may not align with their assigned sex at birth. Gender expression involves the ways individuals communicate their gender identity through clothing, behavior, and personal presentation.
In summary, while sex is largely about biological differences, gender relates to the roles and identities shaped by societal and cultural influences.