Gender Identity
Gender is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond traditional binary classifications. In today's society, our understanding of gender has evolved significantly from earlier perspectives (Planned Parenthood, 2021). This blog post explores the contemporary understanding of gender, its distinction from biological sex, and its role in personal identity.
Gender vs. Biological Sex
Gender refers to the social and cultural characteristics, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male, female, or non-binary. Unlike biological sex, which is determined by physical and genetic characteristics, gender is a social construct that varies across cultures and time periods (World Health Organization, 2016). This means that gender roles and expressions can differ significantly between societies and historical periods.
Gender Identity and Expression
Gender identity is one's internal sense of being male, female, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. This personal understanding may or may not align with one's assigned sex at birth. Gender expression, on the other hand, refers to how individuals present their gender through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, and other external characteristics.
The Gender Spectrum
Modern understanding recognizes gender as existing on a spectrum rather than as a binary concept. This perspective acknowledges that individuals may identify in various ways:
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Guidelines for psychological practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people.
Planned Parenthood. (2021). Sexual orientation and gender identity.
World Health Organization. (2016). Gender and Health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender#tab=tab_1