Gender refers to the socially and culturally constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, women, boys, men, and gender-diverse people. It is distinct from 'sex', which refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define males and females.
Key aspects of Gender:
Social Construct: Gender is not natural or biological but is created and reinforced by society. Different societies have different ideas about what is 'masculine' and 'feminine'.
Learned Behavior: Individuals learn gender roles and expectations through the process of socialization from family, school, media, and other social institutions.
Basis of Stratification: Gender is a major basis for social stratification (patriarchy), where societies often grant more power, prestige, and property to one gender over another, leading to gender inequality.