Boys and girls learn from young age that, different social roles are expected from them by the members of society. Cross cultural study suggest that, by the age of 2 or 3 children become aware of their social roles, at the age of 6 they act accordingly. They acquire these roles via the process of socialization. In the process of socialization people learn the expected behavior dictated by the societal norms, values and beliefs. In most societies riding bike is considered as the masculine activity and men are expected to ride motorcycle. Females are considered to be, too fragile and timid for riding bike. Such stereotype laid the foundation of sexism.

Sexism refers to the discriminatory beliefs of the society, that value one sex over other. In societies where sexism exist and women are unvalued compare to men, girls may not have access to, nutrition, education, comfort, play and healthcare same as boys. Girls in such society start believing that they deserve to be treated differently from boys. Gender based discrimination exist both at macro and micro level of society. Discrimination that develop into the social structure is known as institutional discrimination.  

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Individuals within a society who act opposite to their gender roles are known as transgender. Transgendered male are tempted towards feminine gender roles that they identify their gender as female. Same goes with transgendered female they embrace the masculine gender roles and identify themselves as male. Some transgender alter their bodies surgically and by hormonal therapies so their physical appearance align with their gender identity- they are called transsexuals. Some transgender alter their bodies surgically but others keep their anatomy original as it was at birth, however, they pose in a public as opposite gender. They present themselves as opposite gender by dress, hairstyle, makeup and mannerism. However, it is not necessary that a person who like to dress like opposite sex are transgender, some do it for style and entertainment.

In many societies’ transgendered and transsexual become victim of discrimination and assault. According to a study transgendered and transsexual experience twice discrimination compare to non-transgender individuals. There are many social organizations who are working for the prevention of discrimination against transgendered.

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Roles learning starts from childhood by, socialization. Usually male babies is dressed in blue and female babies is dressed in pink. Furthermore, the toys with which the children play are different for both sexes, parents buy toys for boys such as, guns and superhero figures, on the other hand, they buy toys for the girls like, dolls and dress up apparel. Toys may not seem to be having any impact on the behavior, however, it does have impact on the behavior of children. The kind of toys children play with promotes the normative behavior. 

The masculinity and femininity roles continues as we grow. Males usually outnumber females in certain professions such as, politics, law enforcement and military. However, female outnumber the male in nurturing profession such as, social work, healthcare and childcare. The professional choices of male and female are not their personal preference, however, it is to meet the expectation of the society.    

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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.     

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