Final answer:
Gender roles describe the societal expectations tied to femininity and masculinity and are culturally and socially constructed, different from biological sex, which is based on physical distinctions. Gender roles are learned and vary across cultures, as opposed to sex which is universal across human societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the culturally and socially constructed differences between females and males found in the meanings, beliefs, and practices associated with femininity and masculinity is gender roles. Gender roles encompass the behaviors, personal traits, and social positions that society attributes to individuals based on their biological sex. These roles dictate certain behaviors, relationships, responsibilities, and rights, which are learned through the process of socialization during childhood and are subject to variation across different cultures and societies.
Gender inequality arises when these social constructions result in stratification and discrimination, impacting various aspects of life like economics, social mobility, and political power. Feminist movements have sought to address these inequalities through protests and political activism. It is crucial to understand that gender and sex are not synonymous; sex refers to the biological aspects, while gender is a cultural construct that can differ significantly between societies.