Cultural Variations and

Social Differences in
Gender
LESSON 2
Activity

“Gender Across Cultures: One World, Many

Identities”
Your poster must include:
• A visual representation of sex and gender
• A powerful slogan or quote about gender
respect and equality
Materials Allowed:
Oslo paper / bond paper
Crayons, colored pens, markers
Activity

"What does it mean to be a boy/girl in our society?“

Write down stereotypes or roles and place them in two

labeled boxes ("Boy" and "Girl").

Then discuss: Are these roles the same in every

culture?
Activity
BOYS GIRLS
Activity
BOYS GIRLS

STRONG SHOULD BE GENTLE AND NURTURING

LIKE SPORTS LIKE PINK, OR DRESS

FUTURE PROVIDER POLITE AND QUITE

SHOULDN’T SHOW TO MUCH EMOTION SWEET OR KIND

LEADER Expected to stay at home and take care of

the family
Are these roles the same in
every culture?
•No, not all cultures expect the same things from
boys and girls.
•In some societies, women are leaders, warriors, or
breadwinners.
•Some cultures allow boys to openly express
emotions, while others don’t.
•In modern or progressive societies, both boys and
girls are encouraged to share equal responsibilities
at home and work.
Essential Question

"What is the difference between sex

and gender, and why does it matter
in society?"
Learning Objective

 Define gender and distinguish it from

sex
 Explainhow different cultures perceive
gender roles and identities.
 Explain the different types of Gender
Sex and Gender

 Many people use the terms sex and

gender mutually because of the
perception that these two only refer to
the same concept. Sex and gender, in
fact, are different concepts. In order to
understand gender, we must first
distinguish the differences between
these two terms.
Sex
 Sex refers to biological differences that distinguishes
humans and other animals into two main categories: male
and female. Biological differences between males and
females include variation in (a) chromosomal structure,
XX for female and XY for male; (b) hormone production,
generally more testosterone production for males and
more estrogen production in females, which facilitate
development of secondary sex characteristics (e.g. lower
voice for males, wider hips for females); and (c) internal
and external reproductive organs (penis and testes for
males, and vagina and ovaries for females). Sex, in
summary, is in-born and is purely biological in nature.
Sex
Sex refers to the biological differences
between males and females. These include:
• Physical characteristics (like
reproductive organs)
• Chromosomes (XX for females, XY for
males)
• Hormones (like estrogen and testosterone)
Gender
 Whilesex is a biological concept, gender, on
the other hand, comes from a rather cultural
perspective. Gender refers to the social and
cultural roles, behaviors, and identities
that a society considers appropriate for men,
women, or other identities. It categorizes
whether which behaviors and traits are
appropriate for men and women.
Gender
 There are two main types of gender:
masculine and feminine. Each gender has its
own gender role. Gender role refers to the
behaviors, tasks, and responsibilities that
society considers appropriate for men and women.
 Examples of gender roles:
• Boys/Men: expected to be strong, work outside, or
lead
• Girls/Women: expected to cook, take care of
children, or be gentle
Types of Gender
 Lesbianrefers to a woman who is
emotionally, romantically, or physically
attracted to other women.
If a woman feels love and attraction toward
another woman, she may identify as a lesbian.
Being a lesbian is normal and natural.
Everyone deserves to love who they love and to
be respected for who they are.
Types of Gender
 Gayis a term used to describe a person who is
emotionally, romantically, and/or physically
attracted to someone of the same sex.
Most commonly, gay refers to men who are
attracted to other men.
A man who falls in love with another man is gay.

Being gay is natural and not a choice.

Types of Gender
 Bisexual refers to a person who is emotionally, romantically,
and/or sexually attracted to more than one gender—
typically both men and women.
A person who is attracted to both their own gender and
other genders.
Bisexual people may be in relationships with any gender but are
still bisexual regardless of their current partner’s gender.
A man who has feelings for men, women, or people of other
gender identities.

Bisexuality is real and valid—not confusion or a “phase.”

Types of Gender
 Transgender (often shortened to trans)
refers to a person whose gender identity is
different from the sex assigned to them
at birth.
If someone is assigned male at birth but
identifies as a woman, she is a transgender
woman.
Being transgender is about identity, not
appearance or surgery.
They deserve the same respect, rights, and
Types of Gender
 Questioning refers to people who are
exploring or unsure about their sexual
orientation or gender identity.

People may take time to understand what feels

true for them—and that’s okay.
Social Differences in Gender
 Roles and Responsibilities
• Men are often expected to be providers, leaders,
and decision-makers.
• Women are commonly expected to take care of
the home and children.
 Access to Education
• In some cultures, girls have fewer educational
opportunities than boys.
• Boys may be prioritized for higher education.
Social Differences in Gender
 Employment Opportunities
• Men dominate many high-paying or leadership
jobs.
• Women are often limited to caregiving or lower-
paid roles.
 Political Participation
• Men are more represented in politics and
governance.
• Women are underrepresented, though this is
slowly improving.
Social Differences in Gender
 Freedom of Expression
• Men may be discouraged from showing emotion
("boys don't cry").
• Women may face judgment for being assertive or
independent.
 Clothing and Appearance
• Society often dictates what is “appropriate” to
wear based on gender.
• Men and women are judged differently for how
they look.
Social Differences in Gender
 Household Roles
• Women are expected to cook, clean, and care for children.
• Men may be expected to repair things and manage finances.
 Social Expectations
• Men: strong, dominant, rational.
• Women: nurturing, submissive, emotional.
 Violence and Safety
• Women and LGBTQ+ individuals face higher risks of gender-
based violence.
• Men are also affected, especially in the context of toxic
masculinity.
Essential Question

"What is the difference between sex

and gender, and why does it matter
in society?"