In the United States, most people are assigned both a biological sex and gender at birth based on their chromosomes and reproductive organs. However, there is an important distinction between biological sex and gender. Biological sex, such as male, female, or intersex, commonly refers to physical characteristics. Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and actions people take on, usually in relation to expectations of masculinity or femininity. As of 2022, there is disagreement over the relation between sex and gender. People’s biological sex and gender greatly influence the way they understand themselves, as well as how others treat them and how they interact with society. Moreover, some people’s gender differs from what they were assigned at birth, and they face discrimination, harassment, and violence. Evolving understandings of gender and sex in the US have created more ways for people to live and express their gender identities.
Details
- Biological Sex and Gender in the United States
- Schnebly, Risa Aria (Author)
- Nichols, Cole (Editor)
- Arizona State University. School of Life Sciences. Center for Biology and Society. Embryo Project Encyclopedia. (Publisher)
- Arizona Board of Regents (Publisher)
- Gender
- Gender-nonconforming people
- Gender transition
- Gender expression
- Gender Nonconformity
- Gender identity in mass media
- Sex
- Sexual minorities
- Homophobia
- Gender Identity
- Gender Equity
- Gender Dysphoria
- Sex Reassignment Procedures
- Sex Reassignment Surgery
- Sex Characteristics
- Gender-based Violence
- Gender Role
- Sexual and Gender Minorities
- Organizations
- ethics
- Sexual dimorphism
- Transphobia
- Concept
- People
- Processes
- Biological essentialism
- LGBTQIA+
- Queer history