What is the difference between sex and gender?

The distinction between sex and gender is rooted in the understanding that sex is typically defined by biological and physiological characteristics, such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive/sexual anatomy. This biological categorization defines individuals as male or female. On the other hand, gender is understood as a social and cultural construct that encompasses the roles, behaviors, activities, expectations, and identities that society attributes to individuals based on their perceived sex.

This understanding highlights that while sex is inherently connected to biology, gender is influenced by societal norms and can vary across different cultures and over time. Recognizing this difference is crucial for discussions surrounding identity, equality, and social roles, as it emphasizes that individuals may not necessarily conform to traditional gender norms associated with their biological sex. Therefore, the assertion that sex is biological and gender is culturally constructed accurately captures the essence of the distinction between these two concepts.

The other options misinterpret the relationship between sex and gender or confuse their definitions, which can lead to misconceptions in the study of social sciences and gender studies.