Define Gender.

Gender refers to the social, cultural, and behavioral attributes, roles, and expectations associated with being male or female within a given society. Unlike biological sex, which is based on physical and physiological differences, gender is a socially constructed concept that encompasses a range of identities and expressions. It encompasses norms, roles, and expectations that societies assign to individuals based on their perceived or assigned sex.

Gender identity is an individual's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. Gender expression involves how individuals outwardly manifest their gender identity, including behavior, clothing, and other personal choices.

Societal norms and expectations around gender vary widely across cultures and historical periods, leading to diverse understandings of masculinity and femininity. Contemporary discussions on gender also acknowledge a spectrum beyond the binary categories of male and female, recognizing non-binary, genderqueer, and other identities.

Understanding gender is crucial for addressing issues of gender equality, discrimination, and the diverse ways in which individuals experience and express their gender identity within the complex interplay of culture, society, and individual identity.