Final answer:
Feminist theory differentiates between 'sex' as biological aspects and 'gender' as social constructs, which is critical in discussions of identity, inequality, and the quest for societal equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to feminist theory, there is an empirical difference between an individual's sex and gender. Sex denotes the biological characteristics that differentiate males and females, including reproductive systems and secondary characteristics like height and muscularity. Gender, on the other hand, refers to the social and cultural characteristics associated with masculine and feminine behaviors, and it is not inherently tied to one's biological sex. This distinction is crucial in understanding the perspectives of gender identity and expression and relates to discussions of gender inequality and discrimination. Feminist theories emphasize that while sex is a biological reality, gender roles are social constructs that can lead to inequality and that dismantling these roles is a step towards societal equality and individual freedom.