Monash University > Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences > Gender and Medicine >
What is the difference between sex and gender?

Sex = male and female

Gender = masculine and feminine

So in essence:

Sex refers to biological differences; chromosomes, hormonal profiles, internal and external sex organs.

Gender describes the characteristics that a society or culture delineates as masculine or feminine.

So while your sex as male or female is a biological fact that is the same in any culture, what that sex means in terms of your gender role as a 'man' or a 'woman' in society can be quite different cross culturally. These 'gender roles' have an impact on the health of the individual.

In sociological terms 'gender role' refers to the characteristics and behaviours that different cultures attribute to the sexes. What it means to be a 'real man' in any culture requires male sex plus what our various cultures define as masculine characteristics and behaviours, likewise a 'real woman' needs female sex and feminine characteristics. To summarise:

'man' = male sex+ masculine social role

(a 'real man', 'masculine' or 'manly')

'woman' = female sex + feminine social role

(a 'real woman', 'feminine' or 'womanly')

wow we have taken the meaning of bi sexual to a whole new level indeed!

Sure. Deep down all women are. They are actually born as homosexuals and they develop the liking of men after age 13-14. Later they re-gain their love for women again, and remain bi-sexuals for life.

As long as you know what you want in a relationship, does it really matter to whom your affections are given and recieved?

It is really sad to me that there are so many people that don't accept bisexuals.. I mean, it's almost comparable to a person of mixed race (let's just say African american/Caucasian mix)... this person might have a hard time fitting in with "black" people because they have lighter skin or a different hair texture.. and they don't fit in with the "white" people because they have a darker skin tone and different hair. It's a no win situation.. we just have to stand up and be strong. I feel sad that I am not fully accepted by straight people or gay people, but I guess we all have our struggles and this is one of mine. I feel as if I did not choose to be bisexual.. I honestly don't see how someone could not be attracted to women as well as men.. and that's why I am bi! lmao.. all in all.. I will just have to live with the fact that I am not going to be liked by people who don't understand where I am coming from or people that choose ignorance over acceptance. I do not want one of each.. I want to find my life partner.. and I am willing to look at either sex for that person.. so hate me if you'd like :p

depends on what you mean by relationship... if your talking friendship, then i can agree with you, but that doesn't mean that i want to have sex with any of my male friends...

In response to the OP, as I haven't read the whole thread, of course it's ok to be bisexual. Acting on it while in a relationship without talking to your boyfriend about it is not ok, though.

here is my take....

nothing wrong with being who you are or liking what you like. Unless you have an "open relationship" when both agree to it, acting on it is cheating.

Some people do have open relationships of different kinds. Both agree to it and are ok with it. As long as the 3rd party knows and all agrees, then it's no ones business but the parties involved. When one or more aren't in agreement, then it's cheating IMO

only you can decide if it is right or wrong. It may be wrong for someone else but that is for them. It's no one's business if it is right or wrong for you

I don't see why it shouldn't be ok to be bi. Yoi were born that way, so yeah.

Btw, hi Kim.

I accept everyone except jerks and idiots. So if you're neither of those, you're fine with me.

hey sunshine Glad you are back

HEY....I'm both a jerk and an idiot and you me

gen·der (jndr)
n.
1. The sex of an individual, male or female, based on reproductive anatomy.
2. Sexual identity, especially in relation to society or culture.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.



,,,,,,its been two years since I said bi to sex ( I would have a perfect three year record if not for one week in 2009)...lol

Thanks.

Well, you're sweet about it, so you can pull it off.

so I'm the exception?? See I keep telling everyone I'm special

Yes, you are practically perfect in every way.

Special is good!

special as in short bus special, or real special?

What's the difference?