Gender Roles

Gender is a fluid concept, largely defined by the dominant culture, which serves to outline socially normative expectations for males and females. Global concepts related to the roles of men and women persist in varying forms ranging from rigid constructs to acceptance of diverse expression. Gender is a process of role definition assigned to individuals throughout the culture on the basis of biological sex. This entry discusses how gender roles are defined, how individuals form their gender identity, and the conflicts that can result from gender role expectations.

Definitions of appropriate gender-based behavior are inherently oriented to power. If one behaviorally ascribes to the normative definition provided by the dominant culture then one will experience a greater amount of societal acceptance. The roles of men and ...