Final answer:
Essentialism posits inherent, biological gender differences, while constructivism views gender as shaped by society and culture. Sociology aligns more with constructivism, as it examines gender roles and identity as social constructs rather than biological fate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences between essentialist and constructivist understandings of gender are nuanced but distinct. Essentialism emphasizes inherent gender traits, asserting that these traits are biologically pre-determined, and often leads to stereotypical statements like 'Boys will be boys'. In contrast, constructivism embraces the idea that gender is a social construct; it argues that society and culture shape our understanding of gender, rather than biology alone. This is evident in the sociocultural construction of masculinity, where behaviors deemed masculine are culturally derived rather than inherently biological.
Sociology as a discipline is most associated with constructivism. Sociologists seek to understand and analyze the complexities of gender, sex, and sexuality as social constructs, allowing for a deeper understanding of the influences that society and culture have on gender roles and identity. In this context, the sociological perspective sees gender inequalities as a product of societal structures and socialization processes, rather than as natural or inevitable.