Module 5. Sex vs.
Gender
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, the students should be able
● To explain the concept of sex, gender, gender characteristics, gender roles and
other key concepts related to gender and development (GAD).
● To identify the difference between sex and gender
● To determine the primary and secondary sex characteristics of men and women
and their sex roles
The distinction between the terms “sex” and “gender” is a frequent question raised in an
academic discussion.
Sex is…. Gender is…
● universal and permanent ● set of qualities, differentiated
roles or responsibilities, attitudes
and values assigned by culture
and society to men and women
● As a social construct, gender varies
● An inherited biological description
from culture to culture, prescribed
based on a person’s genital (ie.,
roles followed by men and women
penis or vagina)
● A form of sociocultural distinction
● A biological difference between
male and female (i.e., reproductive
organs)
● Based on human biology (birth
designated) ● Categorized as feminine and
masculine
● Categorized as female and male
(kasarian) as birth
● refers to the two categories of
being male and female – needed in
● Changing, time and place bound
the act of mating to result in
Refers to cultural and social
biological reproduction
differences
● constant across time, across
different societies and cultures ● A fluid variable and is subject to
change
● attributes are marked by inequality
● attributes are equally valued ● refers to expectations, held about
the characteristics, aptitudes, and
likely behavior of both men and
women
● present in both men and women
● sex chromosomes
XY – Boy
XX – Girl
XYS – Gay
XXY – Lesbian
Primary Sex Characteristics
Women Men
Uterus, ovary (estrogen and Penis, testes (androgen and
progesterone, ovum fallopian tubes, testosterone), scrotum, sperm, vas
cervix, vagina, clitoris, etc. deferens, etc.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Women Men
development of the breast the body becomes more muscular
pelvic widens and hips broaden shoulder and chest become broader
voice deepens slightly Adam’s apple grows
hair grown under the arms and in the Underarm, public hair and hair on the
pelvic region face, chest and shoulders start to grow
ovary start to function Penis and testes enlarge
regular menstruation Testes begin to make sperm
Sex Roles
This is the function in which a male or female assumes based on the basic physiological
or anatomical difference between the sexes.
A role which can only be performed by only one of the sexes. For example, pregnancy is
a female sex role because only the members of the female sex may bear children.
Women Men
Gestation Ovum Fertilization
Lactation Produces spermatozoa which determines
Child-bearing child’s sex
Gender Roles
A role assigned to men and women based on their gender.
Refers to activities which are considered appropriate and acceptable for boys or girls;
men or women.
Part of gender norms, it is society’s evaluation of behavior as masculine or feminine.
Women Men
Cooking Leader
Childcare Providing income for the family
Housekeeping
Female gender roles are associated Male gender roles are associated with
with appropriate concepts of appropriate concepts of
Femininity Masculinity
And traits such as: And traits such as:
Submissiveness Dominance
modesty assertiveness
nurturance independence
