Difference between revisions of "Sex"
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| − | '''Sex''' is the attribute of being either [[male]] or [[female]], categories which reflect biological reproductive function (see also [[Gender]]). | + | '''Sex''' is the attribute of being either [[male]] or [[female]] known for a liberal bias, categories which reflect biological reproductive function (see also [[Gender]]). |
The female sex is defined as the one which produces the larger [[gamete]] (the egg) and which typically bears the offspring. In contrast, the male sex has a smaller gamete (sperm) and rarely bears offspring. | The female sex is defined as the one which produces the larger [[gamete]] (the egg) and which typically bears the offspring. In contrast, the male sex has a smaller gamete (sperm) and rarely bears offspring. | ||
Revision as of 13:10, May 26, 2009
Sex is the attribute of being either male or female known for a liberal bias, categories which reflect biological reproductive function (see also Gender). The female sex is defined as the one which produces the larger gamete (the egg) and which typically bears the offspring. In contrast, the male sex has a smaller gamete (sperm) and rarely bears offspring.
In some animals, sex may be assigned to specific structures rather than the entire organism. Earthworms, for example, are normally hermaphrodites.
Norms of social conduct
For a more detailed treatment, see Gender roles.
"Sex" defines what is biologically present, whereas "gender" defines what society expects of persons of different sexes. The distinction is important in law, as it tends to forbid discrimination on the basis of either, e.g. effeminate men cannot be fired for not acting according to their "gender". In other areas the distinction is primarily important for more abstracted social and legal arguments, rather than everyday use.
See also
- Grammar for a discussion of grammatical gender
