Final answer:
A child's understanding of sex differences is related to their awareness of biological sex and gender roles, which they learn through gender socialization. By age two or three, children become aware of gender norms, and this awareness influences their adherence to societal expectations for behaviors associated with their sex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to a child's understanding of sex differences is often related to their comprehension of gender roles and identities. This concept is intertwined with notions of gender socialization, wherein children learn the societal expectations associated with their biological sex. As they grow, children become aware of the physical and physiological characteristics that typically define males and females, referred to as their biological sex. This understanding is shaped by a combination of cultural practices and inherent biological attributes, which lead to the development of gender identity. By age two or three, children generally recognize gender roles, and by four or five, they often adhere to behaviors that align with culturally specific gender norms.
It's important to distinguish between sex, which refers to the biological characteristics, and gender, which is a broader term encompassing the roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. Understanding these differences is vital in comprehending the complexities of human identity and social interactions.