Important definitions

Firstly, we must define our terms. Although both of these terms can be found in the glossary it is worth repeating them here:

Sex: Biological quality of the individual- based on genetic basis of the individual. People are (usually) born either male or female.

Gender: Socially constructed variable. Included psychological, social and cultural characteristics, such as "masculine" or "feminine".

Exercise

Either on the basis of your own knowledge, or on the basis of your reading (any good sociological, psychological or biological text should be able to provide the information) answer the following:

What is the genetic code that makes us either male or female?

How do children become masculine or feminine?

What role do parents, other relatives, friends, School, TV and other forms of media, and society as a whole play in the development of masculinity and femininity? (You should note, that this is termed the socialisation of children).