Final answer:
Gender refers to social and cultural characteristics associated with masculine and feminine behaviors, which are distinct from the biological aspects of sex. Gender includes psychological characteristics and varies across different cultures and societies, whereas sex is determined by physical or physiological differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
While the notion of sex refers to biological characteristics, the concept of gender refers to social and cultural characteristics of masculine and feminine behavior. Unlike sex, which is determined by physical or physiological differences such as reproductive systems and secondary characteristics, gender is concerned with behaviors, personal traits, and social positions that society attributes to being female or male. Gender is a cultural role that is learned and can vary greatly between different societies and over time. For example, clothing considered feminine in one culture may be seen as masculine in another. Characteristics of sex will not vary significantly between different human societies, but characteristics of gender may.
The concept of gender includes how we perceive and express ourselves in cultural context, which can encompass psychological characteristics, how we interact with others, and how society interprets and assigns roles based on gender norms. This is distinct from physical characteristics, which pertain to sex.
Overall, the distinction between sex and gender illustrates the complexity of human identity, behavior, and societal roles. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for understanding the nuanced and diverse experiences of individuals across cultures.