Gender Roles and Gender Identity

What is the difference between biological sex and gender?
In some cases, the terms sex and gender are used interchangeably. However, they have
different meanings. Biological sex is the physical differences between people who are male or
female. Sex is assigned at birth based on biological and physiological characteristics, including
the composition of chromosomes and genitalia (Haefele-Thomas, 2019). On the other hand,
gender is the way societies and cultures align masculine features to go with the male sex and
those that are feminine to go with the female sex. People often define certain attitudes, behaviors,
and perceptions as acceptable depending on which side of the binary a person belongs to. Gender
deals with the societal set of expectations, characteristics, and standards about how men and
women should act (Haefele-Thomas, 2019). Therefore, gender is socially constructed while sex
is biologically assigned.
What are some of the “single stories” (Aidichie, 2009) that people in the U.S. have about
men and women? In other words, what are the stereotypical gender roles in the U.S.?
Gender stereotypes exist even in the 21 st century. There is a relationship between gender
and norms. Norms operate in the social practices to create a standard of normalization. Certain
behaviors are therefore normalized to serve a purpose in the social domain. Such norms become
a source of oppression. In the United States, the ideas held by society on how females should be
raised and given equal opportunities with males have evolved. However, the societal ideas of
gender roles are yet to evolve (Haefele-Thomas, 2019). These ideas, behaviors, and norms show
no major evolution in recognizing the rights of females or males in society. In her short story,
“Imitation,” Adichie highlights the norm of married women who suffer from their husband’s

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marital affairs (Haefele-Thomas, 2019). Stereotypes still hold that men involved in such affairs
do so because the women are failing in their marital duties. In many instances, women are forced
to deal with such issues, especially because society expects them to persevere in their marriage.
Notably, society sets standards that allow husbands to underestimate their wives in such
contexts. Gender stereotypes derail progress against gender discrimination and women
empowerment.
How did you learn how to be the gender that you are? Provide at least 3 examples.
I developed gender identity at a tender age through observing and imitating gender-linked
behaviors of others. For example, growing up, I could see my mother cooking and doing laundry.
Her chores rotated around the kitchen, and that is when I realized that one of the definitions of a
woman is being a perfect cook and a good housekeeper. The second way I learned about my
gender was through the norms that society imbues with children. For example, my room was
painted pink, and I was told that the color pink is for female babies, while my senior brother’s
room were painted blue, and the explanation was the same. Thirdly, I learned that there are
games which were meant for boys and others designed for girls. Further, while growing up, some
children often commented that they do not like playing with boys. More so, in case a girl were to
join a boys’ circle, she would be excommunicated from girls’ friendship circles.
How do people in the U.S. treat people who don’t “fit in” to gender roles? How might this
relate to the treatment of transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, and other individuals?
In the United States, millennials are embracing the idea that sexuality and gender come in
different forms. Young people, unlike the Baby boomers, have disproven the concept of having
only two options for gender identity; male or female and gay or straight. People argue that there

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is a difference between being a man or a woman and to whom one is attracted both romantically
and physically (Barroso, 2020). The transgender people campaign for equal status and treatment
as men and women in society. The expressions of sexuality and gender are moving from margins
to mainstream hence challenging the legal trappings of organizing the society into two gender
categories in the country. Research postulates that the millennials are twice likely compared to
the older people to have someone within their circle that identifies as queer, bisexual, or one who
is questioning his or her identity (Barroso, 2020). Embracing those who do not fit in the gender
roles will help them gain equal access to opportunities and better treatment like other males and
females whose gender identity align with norms in the United States.

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References

Barroso, A. (2020, August 13). Key takeaways on Americans’ views on gender equality a
century after U.S. women gained the right to vote. Center.
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/08/13/key-takeaways-on-americans-views-
on-gender-equality-a-century-after-u-s-women-gained-the-right-to-vote/
Haefele-Thomas, A. & Combs, T. (2019). Chapter 1: Sex and Gender: Stories and Definitions.
Introduction to Transgender Studies. Harrington Park Press, LLC.
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