Final answer:
Gender socialization is the process by which individuals learn the societal roles and expectations associated with their biological sex. Gender identity is a person's internal understanding of their gender, which may not align with societal roles or the sex assigned at birth. The social reinforcement of distinct gender roles contributes to societal structures and norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which we learn what it means to be male or female is known as gender socialization. This is the process through which children are taught about the societal norms and expectations associated with their biological sex. Gender identity, by contrast, is an individual's personal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Terms like male and female can be used to describe both biological sex and gender identity, although for some individuals, these terms may describe different aspects of their identity.
A baby born with male genitalia is typically identified as male. However, as that individual grows, they may not necessarily identify with the masculine roles traditionally associated with their sex. With a growing awareness of gender diversity, it is understood that not all individuals fit neatly into the binary categories of male and female. Some individuals are intersex, or may transition from one gender to another, a process sometimes known as gender transition.
Children learn these gender roles from various sources, including family, educational institutions, peer groups, and mass media. Despite the complexities and variabilities of gender identity, society has historically enforced a gender binary, upholding distinct roles for men and women. However, it is important to distinguish between gender (a social and cultural concept) and sex (a biological concept). Gender roles and expectations play a significant part in the social stratification and reinforcement of gender inequality.