Although many people use the terms “gender” and “sex” interchangeably, these terms are far from the same. Sex refers to biological characteristics, hormones, chromosomes, structures, internal environment, and external environment. Gender is the role and social identification of a person as either a male or female independent of sex (biological characteristics). Gender can be identified based on social environments, culture, personal experiences, and hormone conditions received at birth (Middlesexes 2005). Gender is usually identified by social and cultural roles and expectations. The way a society identifies its roles and expectations of each gender determines how people perceive and identify their own gender (Middlesexes 2005). Gender varies from society to society. Depending on the culture and society that a person grows up in, conclusions can be drawn that these roles and expectations are defined based on personal experiences.
There are three dimensions of gender: psychological, social, and behavioral. Gender identification can be based on psychological, or a person’s internal sense of being a male or female which may not be the same as the gender that they were assigned at birth. This can cause gender dysphoria- the anxiety someone feels when they identify with a gender other than the one given to them at birth. Behavior leads to gender expression- how a person expresses and is perceived by their appearance and actions. Gender is also determined by society; society tends to associate certain attributes, actions, and attitudes to a person’s biological sex. This is why a person’s culture and society has a huge impact on how they will choose to identify.
There are many stereotypes and biases that people face today regarding gender identification. Stereotypes depend on the cultural beliefs of that society; different parts of the world have different stereotypes. For example, West Virginia has a southern prejudice outlook upon society which most likely means that a person will be judged if they are different from the societal “norms”. If a person is born with male genitalia and identifies as a female, most restaurants and businesses will refuse to serve them. Generally speaking, West Virginia is very religious and uses the Bible as their caliber. “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 22:5). Although Jesus taught in parables and some verses should not be taken literally, most people take things out of context to ridicule people.
Another example includes stereotypes in Sweden; most of Sweden used to believe that the genitalia you were born with was the gender that you should identify with. Their beliefs have changed and now these stereotypes anger many Sweden citizens. Melisa Esteka, an outraged preschool teacher, has taken matters into her own hands and has encouraged the students to defy gender roles. She encourages them by making the girls play outside, making the boys play in the kitchen, and using pronouns such as “hen” rather than “he” or “she” (Barry 2018).
Gender can represent wealth, fortune, and social status in countries like Afghanistan. If a couple does not have a son then they are looked down upon and pitied because men act as powerful, authoritative figures in Afghan culture. Males symbolize success, so many families that do not have a son dress one of their daughters up boys to avoid the gossip and social scrutiny that their society impales upon them (Bacha Posh). Gender is more manifold than most people realize. Some people identify as nonbinary; this means that they neither identify as male or female. This categorization is considered to be called “third gender”. The consequences of identifying as “other” or “third gender” include being misunderstood and being accused of having a mental illness. An “intersex” can also be considered a third gender. Olympian track athlete, Caster Semenya, is an intersex whom was born with a hormone condition. Given the fact that the testosterone her body was making had no target, her athletic abilities were becoming enhanced. She was forced to compete with the male athletes in the 800 meter run. Caster was ridiculed and mocked by many athletes and fans. In 2012 there was a standard guideline for testosterone levels that were monitored for both female and male athletes. If a persons testosterone level exceeded this standard, then they would be forced to take medication to lower their levels in order to compete. Third gender was not accepted by most of the track and sports society.
Another example of third gender would include the Mahu of Hawaii. In Hawaiian culture Mahu means “third self” and is an accepted, valued, and respected practice in Hawaii. They describe the Mahu as someone that “embodies both the male and female spirit” (HuffPost- Queer Voices). The ability to embrace both male and female spirits is seen as a skill and is thought to empower that person as healers and teachers. Western civilization, Americans, invaded Hawaii and ridiculed the Mahu with their religious beliefs. In conclusion, cultural practices and personal experience have a huge impact on gender identity. The Mahu that practiced before the Americans invaded had different personal experiences than the Mahu that were practicing their beliefs during the invasion. Society has defined what is and what is not acceptable via social stigmas. Gender identity is based off of cultural practices, society, and personal experiences.