Definition of gender
Gender refers to the social differences and relationships between women and men. Gender is defined by society, culture and history. It changes over tim e and between cultures.
Gender roles are learned and expected behaviours that define and influence the responsibilities, activities, constraints and opportunities that exist for women and men, girls and boys in a given society.
Some of the variables that influence gender roles in society include age, class, race, ethnicity, religion, as well as geographical, economic and political environments.
Gender exists on a continuum, meaning femininity and masculinity exist in differing degrees, all influenced by these many other variables.
An example of how we understand gender in Canada?
There is a widespread expectation in Canada that women will take care of children in the home. The reason we assume women will be the main caregivers is not because of their sex (biology) but because we see it as part of their role as mothers (socially defined). This is gender.
