What is the difference between sex and gender?

• A. Sex refers to social constructs; Gender refers to biological attributes.
• B. Sex refers to biological attributes; Gender refers to social constructs.
• C. Sex refers to age; Gender refers to race.
• D. Sex and gender are interchangeable.

Answer: (B)

Understanding the difference between sex and gender centers on biology versus social identity. Sex refers to biological attributes—chromosomes, reproductive anatomy, and hormone profiles—that are used to categorize people as male, female, or intersex. Gender refers to social and cultural roles, behaviors, expectations, and identities connected to being male, female, or other; it also includes how someone experiences and expresses themselves. A person’s gender identity may match the sex they were assigned at birth or may differ, and gender can vary across cultures and over time.

The correct statement captures this separation: biology defines sex, while social and personal identity define gender. The other options mix up these distinctions or treat sex and gender as interchangeable, which isn’t accurate.