Gender is not considered a purely biological construct. While biological sex refers to the physical characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs that categorize individuals as male or female, gender is a broader concept that encompasses social, cultural, and psychological aspects. Biology influences gender to some extent, but gender itself is primarily shaped by social and cultural contexts. It includes the roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a society considers appropriate for different genders. These expectations and norms can vary widely across different cultures and historical periods. In summary, while biological factors contribute to sex, gender is largely a social construct influenced by cultural and societal factors.
The concept of gender is complex and varies across different cultures, societies, and individual perspectives. Traditionally, many societies recognized only two genders: male and female, corresponding to biological sex. However, contemporary understandings of gender are more nuanced. Many people and cultures recognize that gender is not strictly binary. There are non-binary, genderqueer, and genderfluid identities, among others. Some cultures have long acknowledged more than two genders; for example, some Indigenous cultures in North America recognize Two-Spirit people. Gender identity is about how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. This can be distinct from their biological sex and can encompass a broad spectrum beyond just male and female.