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Sociologists distinguish between sex and gender as biological and social constructs. While these two terms may often be confused or used interchangeably, sociological research emphasizes that gender is not determined solely by biology, as is sex. Gender is largely a social construct influenced by cultural norms and societal expectations.
Sex and Gender
Sex refers to the biological traits that categorize individuals as male, female, or intersex. These traits include chromosomes, reproductive organs, and hormone levels. Gender refers to the social roles, behaviors, and expectations that a society assigns to individuals based on their perceived sex. Gender is not innate but is shaped by cultural norms and varies across time and place.
Sex Assigned at Birth
At birth, individuals are categorized into sex categories based on physical traits, but this classification does not account for the complexity of gender identity. Sex assigned at birth refers to the designation of a person as male or female (or, in rare cases, intersex) at birth, based on physical characteristics such as external genitalia, chromosomes, and reproductive anatomy. This classification is typically recorded on a birth certificate and is determined by medical professionals. While the terms “sex” and “sex assigned at birth” are closely related, they are considered separate terms as “sex” can refer to broader biological traits, whereas “sex assigned at birth” specifically refers to a medical classification made at birth.
Intersex
While most people are classified as male or female, not everyone fits neatly into these categories. Intersex is a term used to describe individuals who are born with natural variations in sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. These variations may involve chromosomes, hormone levels, reproductive anatomy, or secondary sex characteristics. Intersex traits occur naturally and can be present at birth or develop later in life. Intersex is not a separate sex category but rather a range of natural biological differences within human development. Understanding intersex challenges traditional ideas about biological sex as strictly male or female.
Gender Identity
Beyond biological sex, individuals develop a deeply personal sense of gender identity. Gender identity refers to a person’s internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves in terms of gender. Gender identity is not determined by biological characteristics but is shaped by a combination of personal feelings, cultural expectations, and social experiences. For example, a person assigned female at birth may identify as a woman, a man, non-binary, or another gender. Key aspects of gender identity include:
- It is deeply personal: Gender identity is based on an individual’s internal understanding of who they are.
- It can differ from gender expression: A person may express their gender in ways that do not conform to societal expectations (e.g., a woman with a traditionally masculine presentation).
- It is recognized across cultures: Many cultures around the world acknowledge more than two genders.
Cisgender
For many people, gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. This is known as being cisgender. In other words, a cisgender person identifies with the gender that society expects based on their biological characteristics. Most people are cisgender. In many societies, cisgender identities are considered “default” because they align with traditional gender expectations. Cisgender is the opposite of transgender. While transgender people experience a disconnect between their assigned sex and gender identity, cisgender people do not. It is important to note that being cisgender does not necessarily mean conforming to gender norms. A cisgender woman can express her identity in masculine or androgynous ways, and a cisgender man can enjoy traditionally feminine things, such as fashion and makeup. This is to say that gender identity is separate from gender expression. The word cisgender simply describes gender identity and helps recognize that not everyone experiences gender in the same way.
Transgender
Not everyone identifies with the gender assigned to them at birth. Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This means that a person may identify as a different gender than what was expected based on their biological characteristics. Being transgender is about gender identity, not sexual orientation. A transgender person can be heterosexual, gay, bisexual, asexual, or any other sexual orientation. Some transgender individuals, but not all, may choose hormone therapy or surgery in order to medically transition from their assigned sex to their gender identity. Others choose to transition socially only, for instance, by changing their name or pronouns. The term transgender helps recognize gender diversity and challenges the assumption that gender is strictly tied to biological sex.
