We are often asked the questions in job application about, name, date of birth, mailing address and sex or gender. However, have you ever asked about the sex and gender separately? Most people think that sex and gender are interchangeable terms however, they are not. It may not occur to people that, both terms are different and have different meaning. Most social scientist perceive that, both terms are conceptually different from one another. Sex refer to the biological and physiological difference between men and women, which includes the sexual organs and physical characteristics. Gender refers to the social roles distinction assigned to male and female by the society, on basis of cultural norms, values and beliefs.
Sex is assigned to male and female on the basis of biological makeup. If a baby is born with male genitalia, he will be identified as, male at birth and if the baby is born with female genitalia, she will be assigned as female at birth. Biological characteristics do not differ in different societies. All Female in every society menstruate and lactate after giving birth to a child. However, gender roles are different for male and female in different societies and cultures. In western society women roles are not different than male role though, in Middle Eastern society males are supposed to be the bread winner and female are supposed to do household chores. In Some societies male and female dressing style are unisex though, in others dress code of male and female differ from each other. Gender refer to the different roles and responsibilities of male and female assigned by the society, according to their cultural norms.
