Final answer:
The completion question is answered by 'B) Sex; gender.' Sex differences are biological, whereas gender differences stem from cultural prescriptions. Understanding the distinction between sex and gender is essential in social science and discussions of identity and equality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sex differences are biological and gender differences are culturally prescribed. The correct answer to the completion question is B) Sex; gender. Biological sex is a term that denotes the presence of physical or physiological differences between males and females, which includes aspects such as chromosomes, hormones, internal and external reproductive organs, and secondary sexual characteristics. On the other hand, gender refers to the roles, behaviors, activities, expectations, and societal norms that cultures ascribe to people, which can vary widely between different societies and over time. It is important to note that a person's sex does not always align with their gender identity, and individuals whose gender identity does not match their sex assigned at birth are often referred to as transgender.
While it is a common belief that male and female categories neatly divide the human population, biological sex itself can present variations and complexities that challenge such neat categorizations. Moreover, characteristics of gender, which are culturally derived, can show even greater fluidity and variance, depending on societal norms and individual identities. Understanding the distinction between sex and gender is crucial in the contexts of social science, medicine, and discussions about gender identity and equality.