ABSTRACT
In this text, the term “sex” refers to categories of people who are men or women. “Gender” refers to sociocultural meanings ascribed to these biological categories. Roles are expectations for behavior resulting from one’s position in a society; they vary in clarity, breadth, and strength and are usually associated with sanctions or consequences that apply when someone follows or violates that role. Sanctions include acceptance, inclusion, and smooth interactions; or ostracism, rejection, avoidance, teasing or bullying, or just being considered odd. Gender roles are behaviors expected of women and men in a society, organization, or social unit such as a group or family. In some work organizations, both clear and subtle role expectations are associated with being male or female. Have you encountered someone whose sex was ambiguous based on appearance and behavior? If you felt anxious and wondered about the person, it was probably in part because you were unsure how to interact with them. Men are expected to be breadwinners and spend much time away from their families; women are expected to be primary caretakers for children or dependent parents and put family needs first. Women who act like men or men who act like women often elicit surprise, pity, pressure from others, or even the pressure from oneself that we call guilt.
