What is gender?

Gender Role Definition

Gender role is a term used in sociology to describe the set of behavioral norms associated with the individual gendered status, also called a 'gender identity'.

Gender is a component of the gender/sex system, which transforms biological sexuality into results of human activity. Every society has a gender/sex system, though the elements and structure of this system vary greatly from society to society.

Gender identity functions as any other social identity and role. Every human society presents its members with a number of statuses by which people identify themselves and one another.

Other statuses may be 'acquired' based on the activities and achievements of the individual. Most elements of gender are received during the life of people and may take the form of rules or values. These rules and values do not determine or control people's behaviors absolutely. They only define boundaries of acceptable behavior within which there is always variation and possibility for individual creativity.

The concrete behavior of individuals is a result of both socially established rules and values, and individual inclinations, whether genetic, unconscious, or conscious ones.

Individual creativity may, over time, change the rules and values. Human cultures and societies are dynamic and changeable.

Answer: Gender role refers to the behavioral norms associated with a person's gender identity within a society.