he differences in the sexes do not vary throughout the world, but differences in gender do.

Here are some examples of characteristics related to sex:

Females have a vagina, men don't Males have a penis, women don't Male newborns tend to weigh more than female newborns Females can breastfeed their babies, males can't Males have deeper voices than females Females can get pregnant, males can't Males have testicles and females have ovaries Here are some examples of characteristics related to gender: Women tend to do more of the housework than their spouses do A higher percentage of US doctors are women, compared to Egypt Nursing is often seen as a woman's job, although many men enter the profession In some countries women have to cover their heads when they go outside the house 120 years ago women were not allowed to vote in elections Another way of putting it is: Sex refers to a natural or biological feature. Gender refers to cultural or learned significance of sex.

SEX

GENDER

Primarily refers to physical attributes-body characteristics notably sex organ which are distinct in majority of individuals.

Is the composite of attitudes and behavior of men and women (masculinity and femininity)

Is biologically determined by genes and hormones media; thus it

Is learned and perpetuated primarily through: the family, education, religion (where dominant) and is an acquired identity

Is relatively fixed/constant through time and across cultures

Because it is socialized, it may be variable through time and across cultures.

Sexuality: Encompasses personal and social meanings as well as sexual behavior and biology. It includes ways our bodies develop and respond sexually, includes sexual acts: kissing, touching, intercourse, includes feelings about these activities and responses. Also includes what we think is right and wrong, good or bad. Includes life experiences that have shaped these feelings and values.

Definition of Sex vs. Gender

Sex refers to the biological distinction between males and females; by contrast, gender concerns the social differences between males and females. Research in sociology focuses on gender rather than sex; sociologists distinguish between sex and gender to study differences between human males and females with greater precision. Whereas sex is based on physical differences, gender is based on social factors such as values, perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. For example, men and women have different genitalia; this is a difference of sex. Men and woman also face different social expectations, as when women are expected to be more nurturing than men; this is a difference of gender. Gender varies across time and culture, as different groups have different beliefs about appropriate behavior for males and females.