Gender and sex are far more complex than the binary categorizations presented to the majority of us in school. Gender and sex refer to, while tangentially related, two distinct concepts.
Gender is a social construct used to organize society that dictates expectations based on gender roles. In this sense, gender as a socially constructed organizational tool is more so a performance and what we do rather than what we inherently are. Though the widely accepted genders are limited to male and female, gender is far more fluid and multifaceted than that. Gender identity is specifically how one feels they align within the social construct of gender. For some, their gender may align with their sex assigned at birth which is the label one is given at birth based on perceived biology and other factors; when these two identities match, that makes a person cisgender. For those whose gender identity and assigned sex at birth differs, they are transgender.
The term “assigned sex at birth” differs from, for instance, “biological sex,” because it acknowledges that the gender expectation was placed upon a newborn without their input and instead solely focuses on observable biological characteristics. This is a faulty method, however, because it fails to account for intersex people who don’t exactly align with the biological expectations of women, nor men. Furthermore, as evidenced by the existence of transgender people, one’s assigned sex and therefore, assigned gender role, is not always correct with how an individual internally feels.
KEY TERMS
Gender: Broadly speaking, gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men – such as norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men. It varies from society to society and can be changed. When individuals or groups do not “fit” established gender norms they often face stigma, discriminatory practices or social exclusion – all of which adversely affect health.” Furthermore, on an individual level, West and Zimmerman’s “Doing Gender” delineates the idea that each person performs gender based on socially agreed gender expectations. Importantly, this idea focuses on gender as a psychologically trained set of behaviors, rather than innate qualities.
Assigned Sex: Label (typically “male” or “female”) that one is given at birth based on one’s biology
Gender Role: Social role encompassing behaviors considered appropriate for an individual based on their perceived sex.
Gender Expression: Notably distinct from gender identity, gender expression is how one presents themselves through clothing, hair, makeup, or any other visible characteristic. Though it typically aligns with one’s internal understanding of gender identity, it does not necessarily need to.
Transgender: A person whose gender does not align with the label ascribed to their assigned sex at birth.
Cisgender: A person whose gender aligns with their label ascribed to their assigned sex at birth.
Non-Binary: A person who does not identify with either binary gender.
Cissexism/cisgenderism: A system that presumes that people fall into one of two categories of gender, male and female. This system privileges those who subscribe to it and conform to it (cisgender people), while oppressing those who do not (transgender people).
Transphobia: Negative thoughts and actions taken against those who are trans and those who are perceived as transgender.
Transnormativity: The ideology and expectation that trans people are tolerated only if they adhere to traditional gender roles, gender expression, heteronormativity, and overall respectability politics. Though all transgender people face discrimination, the closer one aligns with transnormativity, the more socially "acceptable" they are deemed. This is the phenomenology that undergirds cissexism.
Intersex: General term for a variety of circumstances in which a person is born with reproductive anatomy that does not fit within the delineated binary understanding of sex.
Pronouns: Pronouns are the words we use to refer to someone in place of using their name. Common pronouns are she/her, he/him, and they/them, the latter of which, when used singularly, is gender neutral. Though these are the most frequently used, there are additional gender neutral pronouns such as ze/hir (pronounced “zee” and “here,” respectively). Pronouns often align with one’s gender identity, but pronouns do not equal gender and therefore knowing someone’s gender does not necessarily indicate their pronouns, and vice versa. Using the correct pronouns is a part of basic respect.
BECOME A PRONOUN PRO
How should I ask someone’s pronouns?
A great way to go about this is by introducing yourself and your pronouns first. For instance, you could say something like, “Hi, my name is (name) and I use she/her pronouns. What are your pronouns, if you’re comfortable sharing?”
What if I need to refer to someone whose pronouns I don’t know?
Generally speaking, using the gender neutral they/them is acceptable in these instances, until you learn their correct pronouns. You should never assume someone’s pronouns based on your perception of them.
What if I make a mistake?
That’s okay! You’re still learning and as long as you’re trying, no one can fault you for that. It’s natural to make mistakes. In response, do not make a big deal of it; simply apologize and thank the person who corrected you and move on. Making a bigger deal out of it can inadvertently burden the person you misgendered with your guilt.
What are some gender neutral alternatives to gendered language such as “guys”?
Instead of “guys,” try “y’all,” “folks,” or “friends.”
Instead of “brother/sister,” try “siblings.”
Instead of “niece/nephew,” try “nibling.”
Instead of “ma’am/sir,” try “Mx.” (pronounced “mix”).
This is merely an introduction to some key concepts surrounding gender and sex. Below you’ll find resources for further learning.
If We Want Equality, Then We Must Stop Perpetuating Gender Roles
The Danger of Gender The Danger of Gender Reveal Parties Parties
How Getting Dressed As A Non-Binary Individual Is A Political Act
Since gender is something that affects us all, everyone, regardless of gender identity, deserves to understand the intricacies of the system that organizes society. Having a greater understanding of gender on a societal level allows us to understand ourselves better and how we each fit into the grand scheme of society. It also allows us to interact with one another in the most respectful way possible in order to validate each other’s identities.
