ABSTRACT
Humanity is gendered, and gender is one determinant of self-understanding, social interactions, and life opportunities. The most recognizable gender dichotomy is that of female and male. All societies develop distinct gender codes for women and men. However, a spectrum of gender differences is now recognised and increasingly accepted. Gender refers to a composite of one’s biological sex, the behaviours, attitudes, and emotions associated with one’s sex, the personal and cultural processes of gender identity formation and expression, and one’s sexual orientation. Gender and sexual orientation can include considering oneself to be lesbian, gay, heterosexual, bi or trans-sexual, and/or transgender. Research in gender studies reveals that sexual orientation and gender identities are more fluid or elastic than previously understood, and exist on a continuum rather than as fixed types. Such analyses challenge prescribed roles and cultural expectations of women and men.
