by Jarred James Breaux

Created on: August 16, 2009

The difference between sex, gender, and gender role is based on the contextual dimension. The biological dimension of being male or female is sex. That is, a person's sex is determined by their reproductive organs. The psychological and sociological dimensions of being male or female is gender. In other words, a person's gender is determined by either male or female norm he or she associates with. One's gender is not depended upon one's sex, but because of cultural norms, one's sex is usually associated with one's gender. A gender role is how one is expected to think, act, and feel that is typically associated with being male or female. For example, if someone is male by sex, then one is expected to act macho and be assertive. In this example, a boy would assume a male gender role. The gender role is assumed when one associates themselves with the norms of what it is to be part of that gender in one's society.

There are several biological influences on gender. Pubertal change and sexuality are very significant influences on gender along with physical and evolutionary characteristics.

Due to the hormonal changes during puberty, males and females begin to behave in more stereotypical ways that are associated with their genders. During puberty, there are many changes developing in the body, particularly the sexual changes. Puberty is a time of sexual maturity; therefore, sexual identity and gender roles become more defined during puberty. Girls generally are more soft-spoken around boys they like. On the other hand, boys generally are assertive and cocky. Girls and boys begin to differ physically and become interested in different pursuits during this time.

Other psychologists have suggested that physical characteristics, such as the genitals, influence gender roles and anatomy destiny. Freud believed that there is a direct relationship between behavior and the reproductive process. Freud said that behavior was instinctual and based on our sex organs. Erikson went even further and claimed that the structure of our genitalia made us who we are. For example, males are more intrusive and aggressive while women are inclusive and passive.

According to evolutionary psychiatrists, males developed violent, competitive, and risk-taking behaviors due to the need to survive and pass on their genes. In the natural world, males who obtain resources through competition with others are more violent and stronger. It is these males who pass on their genes. These same males

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